Can Wisdom Teeth Cause TMJ Disorder?
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause TMJ Disorder?
Many people believe wisdom teeth can cause TMJ disorder. Although a Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can lead to severe discomfort, wisdom teeth do not typically cause it. The timing of events may coincide, but it’s important to understand that impacted wisdom teeth do not lead to a TMJ disorder. Austin Oral Surgery offers information about the causes of TMJ disorder and other dental health tips in Texas. Contact us to learn more today.
What is a Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder?
TMJ disorder can lead to severe discomfort. It often manifests as a deep, resonating pain stretching from the jaw towards the ear, reaching the side of the face. Most TMJ disorder causes stem from:
- Injury
- Misaligned bite
- Stress
- Bruxism
- TMJ arthritis
- Stress
- Acute trauma
The Connection Between Wisdom Teeth and TMJ
The factors causing TMJ disorders are numerous, and they all lead to the damage or degradation of the temporomandibular joint. Consequently, wisdom teeth cannot be the cause of TMJ, as they do not directly impact this joint. Many people believe there is a connection because impacted wisdom teeth often cause pain that mimics the symptoms of a genuine temporomandibular joint disorder.
The Problem with Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as the last set of molars, usually appear during late adolescence to early adulthood. For some individuals, the emergence of wisdom teeth is uneventful, and they fit naturally without disrupting the alignment of the other teeth. Not everyone is as lucky.
The prevailing theory suggests that the space in an average person’s jaw for the last set of molars has been reduced due to evolution. Wisdom teeth are believed to be a vestigial feature inherited from our ancestors who possessed larger jaws and needed an extra set of molars to masticate their tougher diet.
Those with a smaller jaw who still develop wisdom teeth face a predicament as their wisdom teeth lack enough room to emerge. These are termed impacted wisdom teeth which can create numerous complications if not removed.
Do I Need a Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Impacted wisdom teeth might be unable to surface, or they may surface at an odd angle. The strange angle can initiate pain that mimics TMJ, damage neighboring teeth, and make you more prone to infections. It’s typically recommended that patients with impacted wisdom teeth get them removed. A wisdom tooth extraction is often the simplest way to alleviate present symptoms and protect your long-term oral health.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth vs. TMJ Disorders
Experiencing jaw pain often raises concerns. Our oral surgeons can examine your teeth and jaw to determine the root cause of severe pain. Equipped with a sufficient understanding of how to discern between TMJ disorders and wisdom teeth issues, you can better convey your situation to professionals for a more efficient consultation. While wisdom teeth and TMJ disorders share the symptom of jaw joint discomfort, unique signs differentiate them. Some of the most significant TMJ disorder indications include:
- Ear discomfort
- Popping sounds in the jaw joint
- Frequent headaches and migraines
In addition to jaw soreness, indications of impacted wisdom teeth encompass:
- Inflamed or reddened gums
- Gum bleeding
- Unpleasant oral odor
Look for these additional signs to determine whether your jaw discomfort stems from impacted wisdom teeth or a TMJ disorder. Begin documenting these symptoms before your appointment.
Treatment for Severe Jaw Pain
Our Austin Oral Surgery team can determine the best treatment for your severe jaw pain. If your wisdom teeth cause severe jaw pain, we will extract them. If we diagnose you with a TMJ disorder, we’ll provide options for a unique treatment plan. We can often treat TMJ without surgery. Some of our jaw pain solutions include joint rest, over-the-counter analgesics, hot/cold therapy, and using mouth guards. If these TMJ treatments are not successful, we may determine surgery is the best action.
Contact Austin Oral Surgery Today
Wisdom teeth do not cause TMJ disorder but can show the same symptoms. It’s vital to contact our office to get the treatment you need for your unique problem. We’re here for you if you have any further questions about wisdom teeth extraction or TMJ disorder. For over 50 years, we’ve taken care of patients with love and care. Austin Oral Surgery has 12 locations for your convenience. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.
