An injured TMJ causes tooth pain.

• A. True
• B. Sometimes
• C. Cannot be determined
• D. False

Answer: (D)

Pain from TMJ problems can be referred to teeth because the jaw joint shares the same trigeminal nerve pathways that innervate the teeth. But an injured TMJ does not automatically produce tooth pain; many patients with TMJ injury report jaw joint pain, facial pain, headaches, or ear fullness, with little or no toothache. Conversely, true tooth pain is more often due to dental issues such as pulpitis, a cracked tooth, or occlusal problems. Because the claim is too absolute—TMJ injury does not consistently cause tooth pain—the statement is false.