Medical terms can be confusing, especially when two conditions share similar symptoms. At Smile Columbia Dentistry, we want to make it easy for our patients to understand every condition we discuss. If you suffer from TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), you may have heard of trigeminal neuralgia at some point. While both conditions can cause significant discomfort, they are different. To help clarify, Dr. Adam Hahn has outlined the main differences between trigeminal neuralgia and TMJ below.

What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition caused by dysfunction of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for facial sensations and motor functions such as chewing or biting. When the trigeminal nerve becomes damaged or irritated, it can lead to extreme, often progressive, facial pain. Like TMJ, jaw pain is a common symptom, but trigeminal neuralgia tends to present with more specific nerve-related pain.

Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia

The hallmark symptom of trigeminal neuralgia is pain. This pain usually starts mildly, occurring in sporadic attacks, but it often becomes more frequent and severe over time. Unlike the constant dull ache of TMJ, trigeminal neuralgia pain is usually sharp, sudden, and intense.

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain in the forehead, eye, cheek, gums, lips, teeth, or jaw.
  • Pain that is localized to one side of the face.
  • Pain can range from a small, focused area to a larger region.
  • Occasional mild or sudden stabbing pain triggered by chewing, speaking, brushing teeth, or even a light breeze on the face.

What Is TMJ?

TMJ (also referred to as TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder) occurs when there’s an imbalance between the bones, nerves, muscles, and teeth in the jaw. This condition leads to various symptoms, many of which go beyond pain. TMJ affects the overall function of the jaw and can lead to physical and neurological symptoms.

Symptoms of TMJ

If you have TMJ, you may experience a broad range of symptoms that affect more than just your jaw. These symptoms can be persistent and impact your daily life.

Common TMJ symptoms include:

  • Migraines and headaches.
  • Jaw pain or tenderness.
  • Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw.
  • Limited jaw movement or jaw locking.
  • Chipped or worn teeth.
  • Neck and upper back pain.
  • Tinnitus (ringing or roaring in the ears).
  • Tingling or numbness in the face or extremities.
  • Fibromyalgia-like symptoms, including chronic pain.

How Do I Tell the Difference Between Trigeminal Neuralgia and TMJ?

Although both trigeminal neuralgia and TMJ cause facial pain, key differences can help you distinguish between the two. The biggest distinction lies in the type and nature of the pain and the presence of non-pain-related symptoms.

  • Pain Patterns: Trigeminal neuralgia pain is sharp and intense and often comes in sudden, short bursts triggered by specific activities. In contrast, TMJ pain tends to be more of a constant, dull ache exacerbated by jaw movement.
  • Additional Symptoms: TMJ often presents with symptoms beyond pain, such as jaw clicking or popping, limited jaw movement, or tinnitus. If you experience any of these, you are likely dealing with TMJ rather than trigeminal neuralgia.
  • Pain Triggers: While TMJ pain is often related to the muscles and joints of the jaw, trigeminal neuralgia pain can be triggered by seemingly harmless activities like brushing your teeth, talking, or even feeling a breeze on your face.

Diagnosing Trigeminal Neuralgia and TMJ

The only definitive way to diagnose trigeminal neuralgia is through an MRI. This imaging test can detect any damage or pressure on the trigeminal nerve caused by irregular blood vessels, tumors, or nerve degradation. If you’re experiencing symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, your doctor will likely recommend an MRI to confirm the diagnosis.

For TMJ, diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive dental exam. Dr. Adam Hahn, a neuromuscular dentist, will evaluate your bite, check for jaw misalignment, and look for other signs of TMJ. Since TMJ is often linked to jaw and bite issues, your dentist can usually diagnose it through physical examination and discussing your symptoms.

Which Condition Do I Have?

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are caused by TMJ or trigeminal neuralgia, it’s best to start with a dental consultation. Dr. Hahn recommends that patients experiencing jaw pain or headaches visit Smile Columbia Dentistry to rule out TMJ first. If your symptoms point to TMJ, we can provide treatment options to help alleviate your discomfort. If we suspect trigeminal neuralgia, we may refer you to a specialist for further testing and treatment.

Schedule a Consultation

If you live in the Columbia, SC, area and are suffering from jaw pain, headaches, or other symptoms that might be related to TMJ or trigeminal neuralgia, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Dr. Adam Hahn and the team at Smile Columbia Dentistry are here to provide expert care and guide you toward relief.

Call us at (803) 781-9090 or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to helping you find the right solution for your pain.