Tooth Extraction Pain: Why It Radiates to the Ear and Affects Eating

After tooth extraction, the pain radiates from the tooth to the area near the ear?

I had a tooth extraction on Tuesday with anesthesia.
The tooth was painful that day, but the pain was less the next day.
However, the following afternoon, I felt some pain in that tooth again, and the next day it still hurt a bit, but the sensation was different; it felt like a sharp pain occurring every few minutes.
Today, the tooth no longer hurts, but now I have pain near my ear, above where the tooth was extracted, and it affects my ability to eat.
When I swallow, that area of my face hurts, which makes me a bit afraid to eat.
Could you please explain what might be happening? Is this related to the tooth extraction, or could there be an issue with my face? Thank you for your response, doctor.

oo, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/05/02

Dr. Lin Zijing reply Neurology

It could be trigeminal neuralgia.
The characteristics of trigeminal neuralgia are: 1.
It is an intense pain rather than a dull ache.
2.
The trigger points are mostly located in the central part of the face.
3.
The pain occurs within the distribution of the trigeminal nerve; if it radiates to the head and neck, it can be determined that it is not trigeminal neuralgia.
4.
The pain occurs suddenly and disappears suddenly (similar to a stabbing or electric shock-like pain).
5.
Typical trigeminal neuralgia does not accompany other neurological deficits, such as facial numbness, tenderness, difficulty swallowing, or ear pain.
The nerves of the teeth are controlled by the various branches of the trigeminal nerve, so sometimes trigeminal neuralgia can be difficult to distinguish from tooth pain; in fact, some people only realize they have trigeminal neuralgia after having a tooth extraction.

Reply Date: 2009/05/02

More Info

Tooth extraction can lead to a variety of sensations and discomfort, which can sometimes radiate to areas beyond the extraction site, such as the ear. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors, including nerve pathways, inflammation, and the body's response to trauma.

Firstly, it is important to understand that the mouth and jaw are densely populated with nerves. The trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face, has branches that innervate the teeth, gums, and even parts of the ear. When a tooth is extracted, the trauma can irritate these nerves, leading to referred pain. This means that even though the source of the pain is the extraction site, the sensation can be felt in nearby areas, such as the ear or even the jaw.

The pain you are experiencing after the extraction is not uncommon. It is typical for patients to feel some discomfort for several days following the procedure. Initially, the pain may be more localized to the extraction site, but as healing progresses, it can change in nature and location. The intermittent sharp pain you describe could be due to inflammation in the surrounding tissues, which can cause the nerves to become more sensitive.

Additionally, the act of swallowing can exacerbate the discomfort. When you swallow, the muscles in your throat and jaw move, which can put pressure on the areas surrounding the extraction site. If there is any swelling or inflammation, this movement can lead to pain, making eating uncomfortable.

In terms of management, it is crucial to follow post-operative care instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon. This typically includes:
1. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate discomfort. If the pain is severe, your dentist may prescribe stronger medication.

2. Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling and numb the area, providing some relief.

3. Soft Diet: Eating soft foods that require minimal chewing can help avoid aggravating the extraction site. Foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies can be good options.

4. Hydration: Staying hydrated is important, but be cautious with hot beverages or foods that might irritate the extraction site.

5. Avoiding Irritants: It is advisable to avoid smoking, alcohol, and spicy foods, as these can irritate the healing tissues.

If the pain persists or worsens, or if you experience additional symptoms such as fever, excessive swelling, or discharge from the extraction site, it is essential to contact your dentist. These could be signs of a complication, such as dry socket (a condition where the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges or dissolves, exposing the bone and nerves) or an infection.

In summary, the pain radiating to your ear and affecting your ability to eat is likely related to the tooth extraction and the body's response to the procedure. While some discomfort is normal, monitoring your symptoms and following proper care guidelines will aid in your recovery. If you have any concerns or if the pain does not improve, do not hesitate to reach out to your dental care provider for further evaluation and guidance.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Ear Pain: Possible Causes and Connections to Dental Issues

The physician experienced sudden intermittent sharp pain in the right ear after dinner yesterday. It was noted that this pain is more likely to be triggered when chewing food, while it is not as noticeable during other times. An examination by an otolaryngologist, including an ot...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: You may be experiencing neuralgia or temporomandibular joint disorder. If the symptoms persist without improvement, it is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, T...

Post-Extraction Symptoms: What to Expect After Tooth Removal

Due to a cavity and discomfort in the right side of my mouth (with inflammation symptoms in the triangular area behind the molar), I experience a sharp pain when my tongue touches that area. Additionally, I feel a slight referred pain from my ear to the upper neck. Initially, I c...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: After tooth extraction, it is recommended to have the original dentist check the condition of the wound and to inquire about any signs of precancerous lesions. As for the ear and neck areas, you can only observe for any improvements. Sincerely, Lin Chia-Yung, Department of...

Understanding Gum Pain: When It Radiates to Your Ear

I have been experiencing tooth pain for almost two weeks. Initially, my right tooth would hurt when I drank something too cold, and I also felt intermittent pain at other times. I visited the dentist, who said that my gums were red and inflamed but there were no cavities. They pe...

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry
Dear Miss Yang: Hello! It could possibly be a periodontal issue! An X-ray is still necessary for a detailed examination. Take care! Wishing you peace and smoothness in everything! Sincerely, Dr. Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry.

Understanding Jaw Clicking After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor, I remember that last summer I developed a wisdom tooth. After several days of pain, I went to the dentist, who advised me to have the wisdom tooth extracted. He said that even if I took painkillers and the pain subsided, it would return after a while if I didn'...

Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry
Hello, you may have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, where the meniscus of the joint is displaced anteriorly, causing clicking sounds when opening and closing your mouth or chewing. This is indeed unrelated to wisdom tooth extraction; however, the need to open your mouth...