Will removal of LOWER wisdom teeth make my TMJ worse?!
Question:
Will removal of LOWER wisdom teeth make my TMJ worse?
I have TMJ, sometimes called TMD, which basically is a disorder or damage to the jaw joint(s). I'm wondering what will happen if i extract my LOWER wisdom teeth. Can it increase the pain of my TMJ?
Thanks in advance.
Answers:
It could go either way. Removing teeth, especially those back ones, will change your bite somewhat because it will change the way your jaws come together. That could help your problem or make it worse. I'm assuming your wisdom teeth have already come in; if they're still under the gums I don't think it would make any difference. Talk to the dentist/oral surgeon first and see what they think, especially if they have experience treating TMJ.