Jaw Pain

Patient presented to the dental OPD with a history of extraction done 5 days ago complaining of jaw pain. 

Clinical examination was done:

•  TMJ was examined for clicking sounds. It was present. 

• Muscles (temporalis, masseter, medial pterygoid, sternocleidomastoid) were palpated for signs of discomfort. They were tender on the right side.

• Probing was done for checking pockets. There was bleeding on probing. Pockets were present. (if probing depth is greater than 3mm, it is considered not normal and a pocket is present.)

• Patient was anxious and not able to locate the pain

Diagnosis:

• Post extraction pain

• TMPDS due to stress and disrupted sleep

• Gingivitis

Management:

• Patient was advised a pressure massage of the right temporalis and masseter muscle

• Muscle relaxant and painkiller were prescribed: Nuberol Forte 1 tab OD for 7 days, Nims 100mg 12 hourly for 7 days.

• Patient was demonstrated how to do jaw exercises. Passive exercises (when pain is acute): mouth opening, mouth closing, protruding the jaw, retruding the jaw. These need to be repeated 5 times thrice a day. 

• Patient was advised scaling after the symptoms subside

This case was done at OMFS Dept. Farooq Hospital Westwood Branch, Lahore.