HomeAnswersInternal Medicinenerve painI have pain on the left side of my temple. What could it be?

I feel an irritation of the nerve over the left temple. Is it a neurological or dental problem?

Share
I feel an irritation of the nerve over the left temple. Is it a neurological or dental problem?

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At August 11, 2018
Reviewed AtFebruary 6, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

From the past three months, I am having pain like irritation of the nerve on the left side exactly on the temple of the head, and in the left jaw in front of the ear. This pain radiates to the back of the ear, below the left jaw, and then radiates to the left side of the neck. The pain is often constant and irritating, but doing jaw movement gives little relaxation. Then after four seconds, there is a recurrence of pain and nerve irritation. I was doubting a TMJ problem, but there are no symptoms like cracking while moving the jaw. This pain does not limit the opening of the mouth. Opening the mouth is not a problem. It is exactly not a pain, but more of an irritation of the nerves in the above areas, and it is worst than the pain. I had a wisdom tooth extracted five days back, as the tooth was fully grown but could not come out from the gums and it was still under the gums. I thought the pain was due to this wisdom tooth, but even after the removal of the tooth, the problem did not subside. Please help.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  • Such radiating pain can be caused by exposed nerves, infection of the tooth or gum, TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, or nerve compression by the wisdom tooth.
  • The pain is still persisting due to surrounding inflammation after removal of the tooth. Infection can be ruled out because you do not have a fever. The absence of a cracking sound does not rule out TMJ problems.
  • To rule out TMJ and surrounding inflammation, I would suggest you get an oral pantomogram, to confirm the diagnosis. Further treatment will proceed accordingly.
  • Meanwhile, I suggest you try taking anti-inflammatory painkillers to relieve your pain.

For further queries consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for replying. As suggested by you, I asked my doctor about an oral pantomogram, but he advised to wait till my wound heals, as he also suspects that the pain was due to the wisdom tooth. But even after the removal of stitches, the pain or irritation has not subsided. I would like to take a second opinion, but I am not sure whether it is a dental problem or a nerve problem. Should I visit another dentist or a neurologist?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thanks for your feedback.

  • I agree with your doctor to wait for the wound to heal, but not more than three days from now, because it has already been 10 days past removal of the wisdom tooth.
  • If still after three days the pain does not subside, then consult another dentist and go for an OPG, to look for any other pathology.

Thanks.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Srivastava, Sumit
Dr. Srivastava, Sumit

Internal Medicine

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Internal Medicine

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy