A person can suffer pain and discomfort in the jaw, similar to the symptoms experienced by those with TMJ issues if their wisdom teeth are growing in. On the other hand, wisdom teeth problems do not directly contribute to the development of TMJ difficulties.
However, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues are rarely the direct result of the growth of wisdom teeth. They can have a number of other reasons, such as injuries to the jaw and some forms of arthritis. In some cases, dental procedures or surgery, such as those performed to remove impacted wisdom teeth, might result in TMJ issues as a consequence.
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause TMJ Disorders?
It is possible for a person to suffer pain and discomfort in the jaw, similar to the symptoms experienced by those with TMJ issues if their wisdom teeth are growing in. On the other hand, wisdom teeth issues do not directly contribute to the development of TMJ difficulties.
You might have heard of a friend or acquaintance who, shortly after having their wisdom teeth extracted by an oral surgeon, started experiencing the symptoms of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, such as pain in the jaw or clicking popping or locking of the jaw. Other symptoms of TMJ disorders include headaches, ringing in the ears, and dizziness. It is possible that those individuals misdiagnosed their TMJ symptoms as being caused by their wisdom teeth due to the timing of the events. However, it is essential to realize that a TMJ condition is not brought on by wisdom teeth that have been impacted in the jaw. Because they persist in trying to erupt into a jaw that does not have sufficient space for them, they typically need to be pulled because they cause further issues, such as discomfort and damage to teeth that are located in close proximity to them.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), also called the jaw joint, is the joint that joins the lower jaw bone to the temporal bones on either side of the head. It is also known as the temporomandibular joint. This joint assists in moving the jaw in various directions. TMJ disorders are problems that can cause discomfort and dysfunction in the jaw and its surrounding structures.
A wide range of circumstances can bring on disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), but the end effect is always the same: damage or erosion of the joint itself. Because of this, the TMJ cannot be caused by your wisdom teeth because they do not affect this joint in any way. On the other hand, wisdom teeth that get impacted can create discomfort that people say is very comparable to the agony that they experience when they have a temporomandibular joint disorder.
Association with TMJ disorders
If a wisdom tooth that is affected presses on another tooth, it can cause the other tooth discomfort, pain, and even injury, and it can also raise the risk of infection in that location. Headaches and pain in the jaw that spreads to the ear and other parts of the face can be caused by discomfort in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as well as in the afflicted wisdom teeth.
The irregularities of your temporomandibular joints are frequently the cause of temporomandibular joint dysfunctions. This problem can also be caused by the wisdom teeth that are affected, which provide unnecessary strain on the jaw. Suppose you have not had your wisdom teeth extracted and are suffering chronic discomfort or pain in the jaw. In that case, you must see a dentist or oral surgeon immediately to discover the specific origin of your symptoms. The bacteria from the impacted wisdom teeth could have infected some jaw joints.
Removing Your Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth become impacted, they may be unable to erupt or only do so at an angle. This can produce pain that is comparable to that of TMJ, as well as physical damage to the teeth that are nearby and can make you more prone to infection. Because of this, dentists often recommend to patients who have wisdom teeth that have become impacted that they have their wisdom teeth extracted. It is the most straightforward approach to alleviating the symptoms you are currently experiencing and preventing further damage to your dental health.
Your wisdom teeth extraction may take a slightly different form depending on the condition they are in during the procedure. In other circumstances, the teeth are significantly impacted, and as a result, they are unable to erupt through the gumline. You may need general anesthesia for the procedure, which will result in your unconsciousness for the length of the treatment. All that’s required may be a local anesthetic if the circumstances are right and it’s safe to do so.
Surgical procedures always come with a certain degree of risk attached to them. Due to the high quantity of germs that can be discovered in the oral cavity, infection is the primary cause for concern; nevertheless, serious problems are uncommon. After the extraction of your wisdom teeth and the subsequent cleaning and suturing of the gum line, your oral surgeon will stuff your mouth with gauze and send you to recovery.
Treatment of TMJ disorders
The majority of people who have problems with their TMJ experience only mild symptoms, which typically get better on their own within a few weeks or months. In severe circumstances, doctors typically advise patients to undergo treatments that are not aggressive and can be reversed.
The use of conservative treatments does not include the use of any intrusive techniques and does not result in any irreversible shifts in the position or structure of the teeth or jaw.
It’s possible that the symptoms will go away with non-invasive treatments like massage and physical therapy, but it will depend on what’s causing the issue. Surgery is the final treatment option for severe cases of TMJ issues that cannot be managed any other way.
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Consult with Garza DDS to learn more about wisdom teeth TMJ
Even though impacted wisdom teeth and TMJ issues share several symptoms in common, the former is an extremely uncommon cause of the latter. However, to avoid further issues, dental professionals frequently advise patients to have their impacted wisdom teeth extracted. If you have any concerns about your wisdom teeth or think you may be suffering from a TMJ disorder, consult with Garza DDS to learn more about these conditions and how we can help. Our team is experienced in diagnosing and treating impacted wisdom teeth and TMJ disorders so that we can provide you with the best possible care.