What condition is characterized by a painful lump in the jaw that comes and goes?

The condition characterized by a painful lump in the jaw that comes and goes is sialolithiasis. This condition involves the formation of stones in the salivary glands, which can lead to blockage and inflammation. When a stone obstructs the salivary duct, it can cause pain and swelling, creating a noticeable lump in the jaw area. The pain often fluctuates depending on factors such as saliva production or movement of the stone, thus explaining the episodic nature of the symptoms.

In contrast, temporomandibular joint disorder is associated with jaw pain and dysfunction, typically manifesting as clicking or popping sounds rather than a distinct, periodic lump. Trigeminal neuralgia involves severe facial pain due to irritation of the trigeminal nerve but typically does not present as a lump in the jaw. Osteomyelitis refers to an infection of the bone, which would more likely present with persistent localized pain and swelling rather than a lump that resolves intermittently.