Short Answer
Injury history comes first. Trauma can change the evaluation priority before routine TMJ interpretation.
How to think about it
A fall, blow, accident, or strong impact can involve bone, teeth, soft tissue, joint position, or neurologic symptoms. Record the injury timing, swelling, bite change, bleeding, dizziness, and opening limitation.
Evidence and limits for this question
What this question checks
This page uses the question "Jaw pain started after face or head trauma. What should be checked first?" to organize a symptom pattern before assuming a TMJ-related cause.
What to rule out first
Urgent, organ-specific, dental, ENT, neurologic, traumatic, infectious, or breathing-related warning signs should be considered before jaw-related interpretation.
What is reviewed in clinic
Consultation details, symptom timing, jaw movement, chewing muscle tension, bite changes, previous exam results, and recurrence patterns may be reviewed together.
What not to decide from this page
Do not use this page alone to choose a diagnosis, appliance, procedure, medication, or emergency response.
Safety note
Major trauma, severe pain, bite change, bleeding, dizziness, vomiting, or neurologic symptoms may need prompt medical evaluation.