Which tooth is known to radiate pain to the ear?

The mandibular molar is recognized for its potential to radiate pain to the ear due to its anatomical and nerve connections. The mandibular molars are situated in the lower jaw, and their roots are closely related to the inferior alveolar nerve, which is a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. When there is dental pathology, such as pulpitis or infection in the mandibular molars, the pain can be perceived in areas beyond the tooth itself, notably the ear.

This phenomenon, known as referred pain, occurs because the brain may interpret signals from the damaged tooth as originating from the ear area due to the shared nerve pathways. In clinical practice, dentists often inquire about ear pain when assessing the health of mandibular molars, as patients may report such sensations.

The other tooth options do not have the same anatomical relationships and, therefore, are less likely to produce ear pain through referred sensation.