Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Jaw Pain?
Yes, jaw pain is commonly caused by wisdom teeth. While it may appear straightforward, there are numerous factors and origins that can lead to jaw discomfort. Sometimes, a impacted wisdom tooth can cause the issue, while other times, the pain might not be related to your rear molars.
1. Impacted Wisdom Tooth
An impacted wisdom tooth happens when it grows in at an angle that is not straight, making part of it visible above the gums and the remainder hidden below. The misalignment could lead to complications as the tooth grows at the wrong angle. Failure to get proper treatment can cause negative impacts on the structure of your jaw.
2. Gum Disease
Failure to deal with an impacted wisdom tooth can result in gum disease as bacteria get stuck between the gum flap and the tooth. This may lead to infection and gingivitis, potentially resulting in increasing pain that could spread to the jaw. In the end, not treating it could lead to major consequences.
3. TMJ-associated Pain
Wisdom tooth pain doesn’t just stay isolated in one tooth, it spreads to the neighboring ones too, making it seem like your entire mouth is throbbing. Furthermore, if a wisdom tooth grows in sideways, it is more likely to cause TMJ-related discomfort. The shifting and overcrowding of teeth can result in increased pressure on the jaw and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Displacement of the mandibular disc triggered by pressure and jaw stiffness could result in its formation, leading to notable pain and discomfort. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may be a suitable candidate for TMJ pain treatment.
Problem wisdom teeth are best removed early
Delaying treatment for wisdom teeth can lead to increased risks of damage to adjacent teeth. Early identification of issues by your oral health provider is important. While a dentist can remove wisdom teeth, a referral to an oral maxillofacial surgeon, who specializes in surgical procedures involving teeth, bones, jaws, and face, may be necessary for more complex cases.
Wisdom teeth are best removed during the teenage years when their roots are still developing, making the extraction process simpler. Delaying the removal until later in life, when the roots are fully formed, can complicate the procedure. Additionally, younger bones tend to heal and recover more quickly, making the extraction of wisdom teeth easier.
Removal of wisdom teeth
X-rays are used to evaluate wisdom teeth for any potential problems. If wisdom teeth aren’t causing any issues, extraction might not be necessary.
When it comes to extracting your wisdom teeth, a simple local anesthetic may be enough to eliminate any pain. If the wisdom teeth are really stuck or causing issues during removal, a general anesthetic might be recommendedfor medical reasons.Nitrous oxide can be used for increased comfort alongside general anesthetic during the procedure.
After extraction of the wisdom tooth, stitching the empty socket is often done to aid in the healing process. It is typical to experience discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding in the jaw and gum for a few days following the removal of a wisdom tooth.
A common issue that may arise after the wisdom teeth removal is known as a dry socket (alveolar osteitis). This happens when the socket from which the tooth was removed fails to heal properly, resulting in severe pain and an unpleasant odor. Individuals who smoke or have difficulty in healing are at higher risk for developing a dry socket. Fortunately, This condition can be successfully treated by an oral health professional.