People who have problems with the muscles around their jaw are diagnosed with a temporomandibular disorder, after the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is the hinge that connects the jaw to the skull and allows the jaw to move up and down and side to side. While doctors have yet to determine the exact cause of TMD, certain complications may occur when the patient wishes to undergo a wisdom tooth extraction. Many patients express concern that this procedure, which would require the patient to open his or her jaw widely for a long period, may lead to pain or lock-jaw afterwards. There has also been speculation on the use of wisdom teeth removal as a form of treatment for TMD
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Recent medical studies have given insufficient evidence to claim any relationship between TMD and wisdom teeth extraction. While there may be some pain associated with both the operation and the disorder, neither contribute to each other’s inflammation or sensation. Dentists and dental surgeons are also fully aware of how to deal with each condition and ensure a fast and safe procedure and recovery. It must also be noted that wisdom teeth do not cause TMD nor should they be extracted to alleviate TMD pain. Again, studies have failed to refute or support hypotheses that suggest either of the two beliefs. Wisdom teeth should only be removed when events justify the extraction, such as inflammation or when the third molars negatively impact the neighboring teeth.
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Understand the proper reasons for wisdom tooth extraction from trusted dentist, Dr. John Pasqual. More about Dr. Pasqual here.
All along, I thought wisdom teeth can somehow cause TMD. Informative blog! Will definitely read more of your updates.
ReplyDelete"It must also be noted that wisdom teeth do not cause TMD"
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine has been advised to get her wisdom teeth removed few years ago until recently, she noticed popping and clicking on her jaws. Her dentist was really emphatic about removing her wisdom teeth and said that they are causing these TMJ symptoms. She went to a different dentist to get a second opinion and advised her a very different action.
After reading your blog, now we know what course of action to take. Thank you.
Hi! If someone suspects they have TMJ, what steps should they take?
ReplyDelete