Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Wisdom teeth can be a real pain—literally. But can they also contribute to TMJ issues? If you’re dealing with jaw discomfort, clicking sounds, or trouble chewing, you might wonder if your wisdom teeth are making things worse.
In this blog, you will learn how wisdom teeth can impact your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and what steps you can take to relieve pain and protect your oral health.
Legacy Surgery offers wisdom teeth removal in Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA.
Key Takeaway
BWisdom teeth can contribute to TMJ symptoms by causing misalignment and muscle strain, but they are not the direct cause. If you have jaw pain or discomfort, removing problematic wisdom teeth may help. A proper diagnosis from a dental professional is the best way to find relief.
What Is TMJ Disorder?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your lower jaw to the temporal bones of your skull.
It allows for smooth jaw movement when eating, speaking, and yawning. When this joint becomes irritated or inflamed, it leads to temporomandibular disorder (TMD), which causes pain and stiffness in the jaw muscles and surrounding structures.
Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
If you have TMJ issues, you may experience:
- Jaw pain or stiffness: Discomfort when moving the jaw
- Clicking or popping sounds: Noises when chewing or opening your mouth
- Facial discomfort: Tenderness around the jaw, cheeks, or temples
- Ear pain or pressure: Often mistaken for an ear infection
- Difficulty chewing: Feeling like your bite is misaligned
- Headaches: Pain radiating from the jaw to the temples
These symptoms can range from mild to severe, affecting your ability to eat and speak comfortably.
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause TMJ?
The connection between wisdom teeth and TMJ is complex.
While wisdom teeth do not directly cause TMJ disorder, they can contribute to jaw issues that lead to TMJD symptoms.
- Lack of space and misalignment: Wisdom teeth often erupt at odd angles or do not have enough room, leading to a misaligned bite. This can strain the jaw joints and muscles, causing discomfort and difficulty with jaw movement.
- Impacted wisdom teeth: When wisdom teeth become trapped under the gum, they can put pressure on nearby structures, including the TMJ. This can lead to jaw pain, facial discomfort, and even ear discomfort.
- Increased muscle strain: If wisdom teeth shift your bite, your jaw muscles must work harder to compensate, leading to muscle fatigue, joint disorders, and tension in the jaw.
- Inflammation and infection: Gum disease and infection around impacted wisdom teeth can spread to the surrounding jaw tissues, contributing to jaw pain and dysfunction.
Can Wisdom Teeth Extraction Cause TMJ?
Some people worry that wisdom teeth extraction may lead to TMJ problems.
While wisdom teeth removal does not typically cause TMJ disorder, it can temporarily affect the jaw joints due to:
- Swelling and stiffness: After the surgical extraction, the jaw may feel tight and sore.
- Post-surgery inflammation: Nearby tissues may become irritated, causing mild symptoms of TMJ.
- Limited jaw movement: Some people unconsciously clench their jaw due to discomfort, leading to jaw issues.
These effects are usually temporary. With proper post-surgery care, including cold compresses, anti-inflammatory medications, and jaw exercises, most patients recover without long-term TMJ problems.
Treatment Options for TMJ and Wisdom Teeth Issues
If you suspect wisdom teeth issues are affecting your jaw health, your dentist or oral surgeon will assess your condition, and may recommend the following treatments.
Conservative Treatments for TMJ
Before considering surgical options, there are several conservative treatments that may help alleviate TMJ symptoms.
- Jaw exercises to improve mobility
- Muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medications to reduce discomfort
- Physical therapy to relieve jaw pain and tension
- Over-the-counter pain relievers for mild discomfort
- Cold compresses to ease swelling
Wisdom Teeth Removal
If problematic wisdom teeth are contributing to jaw pain or bite misalignment, extraction of wisdom teeth can help prevent dental complications and underlying issues. An oral surgeon will determine if wisdom teeth removal is the best solution for you.
Wondering if you need your wisdom teeth removed? Check out this blog to learn about the signs, risks and benefits of wisdom tooth extraction: Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed? Find Out Here
Bite Adjustments
If improper tooth contact from wisdom teeth has caused a misaligned bite, your dentist may recommend:
- Orthodontic treatment to reposition teeth
- Mouthguards or night guards to reduce clenching
- Dental procedures to restore proper bite alignment
Jaw pain can sometimes be linked to tongue-tie, a condition that affects oral function. Could Tongue-Tie Be Causing Your Jaw Pain? explores how this issue impacts the jaw and what treatment options are available.
Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed for TMJ Relief?
If your wisdom teeth are contributing to jaw pain or TMJ symptoms, removing them could help ease discomfort. However, extraction isn’t always a guaranteed fix.
If TMJ symptoms persist after your wisdom teeth are removed, additional treatment may be needed to address the underlying issue.
A consultation with your dentist or an oral surgeon can help determine the best approach to relieve pain and improve jaw function.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are experiencing severe pain, jaw issues, or wisdom teeth pain, it is essential to seek a proper diagnosis from an experienced oral surgeon.
At Legacy Surgery, we provide expert care for wisdom teeth extraction, TMJ concerns, and other dental care options to protect your oral health.
To schedule an evaluation with Dr. Kesecker, DDS, call (540) 437-1230 or visit our office.
To book an appointment at our Harrisonburg location, call (540) 437-1230 or visit us at 2071 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA.
To book an appointment at our Staunton location, call (540) 213-8750 or visit us at 110 Mactanly Pl C, Staunton, VA.