What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are a set of four molars located in the back of your mouth that often require removal due to lack of space or because they become impacted. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) controls jaw movements when you talk, chew, or yawn. It connects the lower jawbone (mandible) to the temporal bones of your skull.
Wisdom teeth may cause overcrowding in the mouth, leading to misalignment and excessive strain on the TMJ joint. When this happens, it throws off your bite alignment, which can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, neck, and face.
Does Wisdom Teeth Growth Cause TMJ Disorder?
Wisdom teeth removal may help reduce TMJ disorder symptoms, but no scientific evidence suggests that if wisdom teeth grow in that it causes TMJ disorder. It can be difficult for a doctor to determine whether or not wisdom teeth are causing your discomfort. If you are experiencing pain or other signs of TMJ disorder, such as difficulty chewing or jaw clicking, contact TMJ & Sleep Center about potential treatments and solutions available to you.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth and TMJ
In some cases, removing wisdom teeth may be necessary to relieve TMJ disorder symptoms. Depending on the case, this could include anything from a total wisdom teeth extraction to creating more space in the jaw by realigning the teeth. Surgical removal of wisdom teeth can precipitate TMJ symptoms and caution is advised without a consultation of a TMJ provider or oral surgeon.
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth can include tenderness, facial swelling, difficulty opening or closing your mouth, and a bad taste. You may also experience headaches, neck soreness, and jaw pain on one side of the face. If you have any of these symptoms and signs of TMJ disorder, like popping or clicking when moving your jaw, contact the TMJ & Sleep Center for your personal consultation.
Treating TMJ with TMJ & Sleep Center
At our office, TMJ treatment is not just about finding relief from pain and discomfort. It’s a dynamic process requiring persistence and consistency to progress, and eventually eliminate the source of the pain. Dr. Insolera and his staff are here to facilitate your healing transition and set new goals. Our approach is rooted in measuring and monitoring your progress at each appointment so that we can make adjustments where needed and help you achieve success.
With consistent, repetitive treatment, we can replace the previous dysfunction to facilitate a happier and more comfortable life for you. Trust us to guide you on this journey toward lasting health and wellness.