Jaw Pain After Dental Work

By Dr. Thiago Nascimento

Experiencing jaw pain after a lengthy jaw extension in a dental chair can be problematic.

Have you ever experienced a nagging ache in your jaw after a trip to the dentist? If so, you’re not alone. Many people experience some level of discomfort. Almost half of patients with TMD associated the onset of their symptoms with a specific event, including prolonged oral surgery procedures.

This article will explore why this happens, how long the pain might last, what you can do about it, and when it’s time to seek professional help.

Table of Contents

• Is it Common to Have Jaw Pain After Dental Work?
  • Why do some dental treatments trigger new jaw pain?
  • How long does TMJ pain last after dental work?
  • Which dental procedures commonly cause jaw issues?
• Exploring Underlying Causes of Jaw Pain After Dental Work
• What Level of Pain Should I Expect After Dental Procedures?
• Twin Cities Head & Neck Pain Clinic: Expert Care for Post-Dental Procedure Pain
• How to Prevent or Minimize Dental Jaw Pain Before Dental Visit?
• How to Relieve Jaw Pain after Dental Work?
• When to Seek Help for Pain After Dental Work?
• CONCLUSION: Seek Professional Advice Before Self-Treating Persistent Pain After Dental Treatment

Recurring jaw pain after having dental work can signal that something has gone wrong. A reasonable amount of gum inflammation, sore jaw muscles, and tooth sensitivity is common for a few days after a dental procedure. However, prolonged jaw pain that lasts more than a week may indicate injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

In other scenarios, if TMJ has already been diagnosed, it’s important to still maintain routine dental checkups. Understandably, you may have some questions and concerns about pain. Our answers below can lead to understand your best options for TMJ treatment.

Is it Common to Have Jaw Pain After Dental Work?

Yes. Hyperextension of the jaw can cause strain, just like over-extension to any complex joint in your body causes it to protect itself.

Many people experience discomfort of the teeth, gums, and jaw if they have had drilling, a filling, or tooth extraction. Any time instruments and someone’s hands are in the mouth, the jaw can react. Muscles have memory and a “tolerance level;” if stressed past their comfort limit, pain may be their way of telling you about it. Jaw hyperextension can trigger trauma to the TMJ ligaments and muscles, causing a muscle guarding reflex. The body’s natural response to pain can result in muscle contraction and tension.

TMD is a common complication of tooth extraction according to the September 2024, The clinical study and multi-factor analysis of temporomandibular joint disorder induced by tooth extraction article. Author Yunpeng Wei MS reported that “48% of patients with TMD attributed the onset of their symptoms to a specific event, including prolonged oral surgery procedures.”

A skilled dentist will work to minimize potential damage to the temporomandibular joint to prevent the occurrence of TMD. Our providers can help if mandibular issues and other risk factors indicate TMD after tooth extraction.

How long does TMJ pain last after dental work?

Typically, TMJ symptoms resolve within a few hours after dental work. It’s best to give it this length of time to “settle down” by eating only soft foods or delaying your next meal. Some people who already have more severe TMJ pain levels experience dental flareup symptoms that last for several days or weeks.

Why do some dental treatments trigger new jaw pain?

Persistent jaw pain after dental work shares the same denominator of being in a dental chair where pressure is applied during dental treatment. Procedures that require longer dental visits are the common culprit. Think of this as repetitive strain in the jaw, like when patients might experience a cold with associated extended periods of cough.

Which dental procedures commonly cause jaw issues?

Certain dental procedures are more likely to contribute to jaw pain than others. Here’s a list of common culprits.

Patient complaints of dental pain are often after the following procedures:

• A root canal treatment.
• Placement of a new crown.
• Third molar extractions.
• A tooth implant placement.
• Multiple tooth restorations were completed.

If your dentist finds no dental (odontogenic) cause for your pain and it continues, the dental procedure itself, even a routine one like a crown, may be the reason. Seek further evaluation if this happens.

Exploring Underlying Causes of Jaw Pain After Dental Work

Beyond the specific procedures, several underlying factors can contribute to jaw pain after dental work. Let’s take a closer look.

The following dental procedures are often forerunners to jaw pain:

1. Prolonged Mouth Opening: Extended jaw opening can strain muscles and ligaments. Like holding any muscle in a static position for too long. Similarly, Jaw hyperextension can occur during oral surgery and can also occur in the simple act of yawning. ^[1]
2. Pressure and Vibration: Drilling and Vibrations from dental instruments, especially extractions, can cause pressure to the TMJ and surrounding tissues causing irritation and potentially exacerbating pre-existing TMJ dysfunction.
3. Muscle Overextension/Hyperextension: When the ligaments and muscles around the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are affected by trauma, these are referred to as Jaw and Muscle Sprain/Strain (JAMSS) injuries. It typically involves sprains (ligament injuries) and strains (muscle injuries) in the jaw region, leading to pain, discomfort, and limited movement. With excessive jaw clenching, the tissue injury is followed by sensitization and guarding. The guarding reflex is an involuntary response where the muscles of the jaw contract in response to pain or irritation.
4. Nerve Irritation: Tooth extractions, particularly molar extractions, have a risk of nerve irritation or damage, leading to temporary (most common) or permanent sensory changes (rare), since certain nerves are located close to teeth and can be irritated or injured during extraction.
5. Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can lead to muscle tension primarily related to the body’s natural response to stress, known as the fight-or-flight response – your body reacts as if you’re in danger and prepares to either fight or flee from a perceived threat, and as a result, your muscles become tense and ready for action.
6. Anesthetic injections: While anesthesia is necessary for many dental procedures, it can sometimes cause jaw pain due to the potential for injury to the soft tissues. The needle can directly traumatize nerves like the mandibular or lingual nerve, leading to pain or altered sensation. Injections can also cause bleeding within the tissues (hematoma) or, less commonly, an infection (needle track abscess). On a microscopic level, the injection can sometimes disrupt the delicate nerve fibers or their protective coverings, or even damage small blood vessels within the nerve, potentially causing jaw pain as a result.

A healthy jaw anatomy can recover better from excessive movement, protects the joint, and reduces the likelihood of further injury. However, if your muscle guarding reflex continues over a long period, it can lead to muscle fatigue, tension, and discomfort. ^[2]

Arthritic patients may find that arthritis amplifies dental jaw pain. result in a sore jaw after dental work. The pain should go away on its own within a couple of days if you simply have a strained jaw muscle after dental work.

What Level of Pain Should I Expect After Dental Procedures?

Discomfort in the jaw area is usually temporary after most dental procedures. What to expect depends greatly on the type of procedure you have. One important denominator is that all the procedures listed below can cause post-procedural pain that can mimic TMD-related symptoms.

Here are common jaw pain experiences post-treatment:

• Local Anesthesia Effects: Numbness or muscle fatigue from keeping your mouth open for an extended period.
• Tooth Extraction: Swelling, soreness, and stiffness in the jaw, especially with wisdom tooth removal.
• Root Canal or Fillings: Sensitivity and mild discomfort from inflammation.
• Braces or Adjustments: Jaw soreness as your teeth shift.

What’s Normal Dental Jaw Pain?	When to Be Concerned?
Mild to moderate pain that improves within a few days.	Severe, persistent pain beyond a week.
Soreness in the jaw muscles.	Swelling, fever, or pus, which may indicate infection.
Swelling or bruising (especially after extractions).	Difficulty opening or closing the mouth for an extended time.
Clicking or slight stiffness (should improve gradually).	Sharp, radiating pain that worsens.

Twin Cities Head & Neck Pain Clinic: Expert Care for Post-Dental Procedure Pain

In our Twin Cities Minnesota Head & Neck Pain clinic, it is routine to evaluate patients experiencing pain after common dental procedures. Their general dentist will usually perform a quick exam to rule out adverse events from the procedures and when the examination is normal (usually it is), they refer the patient to us for comprehensive examination. In most cases, your general dentist will be able to rule out dental causes related to the initial procedure that caused pain. That might require follow-up visits and x-rays. One typical example is pain after dental extraction, named dry socket, a complication that can occur when the blood clot in the socket is disrupted.

If you still have jaw pain after your dentist rules out tooth-related issues, it could be from the procedure itself, even something common like getting a crown. Dental procedures can heighten anxiety. Patients managing existing anxiety should consider the potential impact on their mental health and the increased muscle tension that might linger afterwards, causing concern.

As it relates to TMJ, the most common causes are jaw muscle strain and mild inflammation in the temporomandibular joints. Typical presentation can be described as usual jaw tension, limited mouth opening and pain with usual movements such as yawing and chewing. Some other symptoms reported include mild ear pain, swelling feeling and even increased neck and shoulder tension.

In less frequent cases, persistent jaw pain after a dental procedure could be a sign of nerve (neuropathic pain). This will definitely be ruled out during examination by an Orofacial Pain specialist.

It is also important to consider your overall medical health. Generally, patients with other medical conditions such as Fibromyalgia might experience increased pain or exacerbation of existing symptoms that might require additional treatments. One of our pain specialists will be able to determine that.

“I’ve seen patients who experience jaw pain that also triggers or exacerbates neck pain, shoulder pain, and headaches, often due to referred or extended muscle pain. Another patient came in with a feeling of ear pressure and swollen sensation. She was cleared by ENT and emphasized a referral to our clinic. Once an urgent patient came from the emergency room with a feeling of deep intense pain in their face, and after being cleared by the emergency medicine physician, examination showed referred pain from their jaw muscles, which were triggered by an extended dental treatment.” – Dr. Thiago Nascimento

How to Prevent or Minimize Dental Jaw Pain Before Dental Visit?

If you have already pre-existed temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, extended jaw opening can worsen symptoms and cause TMJ aggravation. Telling your dentist and advocating for yourself is a great way to start. You will likely need a longer dental appointment to accommodate for mini breaks to allow your jaw to rest, so it’s important to tell your dentist about jaw issues.

Before the Appointment: Heat compresses before the procedures are a great way to prevent injury, also taking anti-inflammatory medications if recommended by your dentist (ibuprofen before the procedure can reduce inflammation). Avoid clenching your teeth during the procedure by keeping your jaw relaxed.

During the Appointment: Avoid clenching your teeth during the procedure by keeping your jaw relaxed. Request a bite block (a small cushion-like device can help keep your mouth open without overstraining muscles), but requesting breaks is more effective.

To minimize dental pain during prolonged mouth opening at the dentist:

• Inform Your Dentist: If you have a history of TMJ problems, tell your dentist before any procedure.
• Take Breaks During Long Appointments: Ask for short breaks to rest your jaw.
• Use a Bite Block: A bite block can help keep your mouth open without straining your jaw muscles.
• Good Posture: Maintain good posture during dental appointments. Poor posture can contribute to pain.
• Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques before and during appointments.

How to Relieve Jaw Pain after Dental Work?

If you’re already experiencing jaw pain, next, we’ll provide some effective strategies to find pain relief.

First line of defense to relieve pain after your dental appointment:

1. Stretching exercises: Specialized jaw exercises designed to gradually restore healthy joint mobility.
2. Analgesics: Use of acetaminophen, anti-inflammatories or topical medication to reduce pain and facilitate normal jaw movement. Hot and cold therapy: Alternating heat and cold are an important part of TMJ injury healing.

Ways to treat jaw pain after dental work:

• Take over-the-counter pain medication: Use a low dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and inflammation. If it persists, request help with medication management.
• Apply cold compresses: Reduce swelling by using an ice pack for 10–15 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours.
• Switch to warm compresses: After the first day, heat can help relax tight jaw muscles.
• Give your chewing muscles a break: Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods or do a half-day fast. Resume your normal diet later in the day to avoid excessive jaw movement.
• Gentle jaw exercises: Perform light stretching exercises to improve jaw mobility but consult your dentist or an orofacial pain specialist for proper techniques.
• Massage your jaw: Gently massage the jaw muscles to help relieve tension. By rubbing your cheek/TMJ area you may loosen and release that tight, painful feeling
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support healing.
• Ask about a mouthguard: Teeth clenching can be a serious issue if left unchecked. Your dentist may refer you to a TMJ specialist for a mouthguard or oral device to prevent further irritation.

A dental-related jaw injury is often complicated by other oral health issues such as decay, infection, periodontal disease, and bit misalignment. Your dental visit may unintentionally cause jaw pain. If it is lingering, have it evaluated immediately. Minor discomfort after dental treatment is normal; excessive pain is not. The sooner you start an at-home jaw pain recovery protocol; the sooner you may find lasting pain relief.

When to Seek Help for Pain After Dental Work?

While many cases of jaw pain resolve with self-care, there are situations when professional help is necessary. Here are the warning signs.

Seek medical attention if:

• You have severe jaw pain.
• It prevents you from getting a good sleep for several nights.
• You have constant pain or tenderness in your jaw that occurs suddenly or during jaw movements.
• You can’t open or close your jaw completely.
• Your jaw pain persists beyond two weeks.

While jaw pain after dental work is common and often resolves on its own, persistent pain requires further evaluation. If a comprehensive assessment confirms TMJ-related symptoms, we offer evidence-based, interdisciplinary TMJ treatment options to alleviate your discomfort.

Common TMJ treatment solutions

Treatment Solution	Description
Training and Guidance	Our providers support you with at home self-care strategies.
Physical Therapy	PT is considered frontline therapy for TMD. It promotes early mobility in acute cases for the interruption of peripheral sensitization. Several studies have shown that jaw exercises facilitate pain-free mouth opening. [3]
Intraoral Custom-Made Dental Appliances	The use of oral appliances for TMJ treatment is widely accepted. It broadly functions to facilitate joint unloading, masticatory muscle relaxation and pain reduction. [4]
Botox injections:	Used for muscle spasms in select cases. corticosteroid injections for inflammation and medications (Muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers).
Medications	Muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers may be prescribed based on pain severity and tolerance levels.

CONCLUSION: Seek Professional Advice Before Self-Treating Persistent Pain After Dental Treatment

Ultimately, while self-care can be helpful, professional guidance is essential for managing persistent jaw pain.

It can be tempting to try self-treatment, including jaw exercises, to find relief from pain after you’ve been to the dentist. Particularly in the era of broad access to social media. However, seeking professional advice first is crucial to prevent a persistent condition from worsening. Our professional guidance is important to establish accurate diagnosis, identifying serious underlying issues, defining a personalized treatment plan, monitoring progress with regular follow ups, and preventing further injury.

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About the Author

Thiago Nascimento, DDS, MMedSc, MS, is an Orofacial Pain Specialist. He has a master’s degree in Neuroscience and Orofacial Pain and a postdoctoral fellowship in pain neuroimaging. He has experience in the diagnosis and treatment of TMD, Orofacial Pain Disorders, and management of Sleep apnea with oral sleep appliances.

Resources

[1] Sonia Sharma, et al., “Pain Sensitivity Modifies Risk of Injury-Related Temporomandibular Disorder,” March 2020, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32197057/

[2] James Friction, et al., “Preventing Chronic Pain After Acute Jaw Sprain or Straub,” Dec 2016, https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(16)30569-4/ppt

[3] Olivia Yost, et al., “Temporomandibular Disorders: Priorities for Research and Care,” March 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557989/

[4] Andreea Kui, et al., “The use of occlusal splints in temporomandibular disorders – an overview,” Dec, 2020, https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/asmj-2020-0008

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