Yes, sudden severe jaw pain can absolutely be a dental emergency requiring immediate attention. Potential causes include: TMJ dislocation (jaw stuck open/closed), severe teeth grinding causing muscle spasms, infected wisdom teeth affecting jaw muscles, dental abscesses spreading to jaw tissues, or trauma causing jaw fractures. Seek immediate emergency care if you can't open/close your mouth normally, have facial swelling, difficulty swallowing, fever with jaw pain, or jaw pain after facial trauma. While waiting, apply ice to reduce swelling, take anti-inflammatory medication, eat only soft foods, and avoid wide mouth opening. Don't assume it's "just stress" - jaw emergencies can indicate serious infections or structural damage requiring prompt treatment.