Is There A Link Between TMD And Wisdom Teeth?
Do you have your wisdom teeth? If you are unfamiliar, wisdom teeth are the very last molars that erupt in your mouth, and they typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Many people have them removed due to issues with overcrowding or because the teeth are frequently impacted in the jawbone and cause problems. Due to the location of the wisdom teeth and the fact that many of them cause problems with the mouth and jaw, you might be wondering if there is a link between TMD and wisdom teeth.
The very simple answer is that, for most people, there is no link between TMD and wisdom teeth. However, in a small number of cases, people who have had complications from having their impacted wisdom teeth removed can begin to experience TMD issues. This is more the result of trauma during treatment than the wisdom teeth themselves.
Similar Symptoms Between TMD and Wisdom Teeth
In some people, the symptoms for TMD and the symptoms caused by wisdom teeth can be very similar, making it difficult for people to know what is going on. As you may already know, TMD symptoms include severe jaw discomfort as well as discomfort in the facial muscles. Symptoms caused by emerging wisdom teeth can include:
- Pain in the back of the mouth and jaw
- Tooth pain
- A misaligned bite
As you can see, it is easy to see how some people might confuse the two issues. As we mentioned earlier, there are also some people who have issues with impacted teeth. TMD symptoms can also be confused with impacted tooth symptoms.
If you have experienced severe discomfort from TMD or another condition before, you know that it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly where the issue is, especially if you are not feeling your best. If you have concerns, whether you are experiencing TMD or if you have been diagnosed and experience a flare-up of symptoms and have questions, be sure to contact our office located in Auburn & Silverdale, WA. We are here to help!
