Wisdom Teeth and TMJ Disorder – What is the Best Treatment For Wisdom Teeth?
Jaw Pain Wisdom Teeth, If you suffer from jaw pain, you may be experiencing jaw pain caused by your wisdom teeth. You can also suffer from TMJ disorder, which is a common condition caused by the wisdom teeth. Treatment for wisdom teeth may include root canals or a cold compress. Read on for more information on the various treatment options available for this condition.[1] Regardless of the cause of your jaw pain, there is a treatment to relieve your symptoms. This article will help you understand which option is best for you.
TMJ disorder
If you suffer from jaw pain or difficulty checking your jaw, you may have TMJ disorder. A dentist can recommend treatment options for you. Physical therapy can help you learn how to stretch your jaw muscles and increase your range of motion. You can also visit a physical therapist or dental professional for exercise programs tailored for TMJ disorder. A variety of over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve jaw discomfort. If over-the-counter medications are not effective, your dentist can prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory or anti-depressant medications.
Many people develop TMJ disorders, but the causes are unclear. Your health care provider will take a detailed medical history and examine the affected areas to determine the cause. If symptoms persist, imaging studies may be recommended. Because pain in the jaw area can be caused by many conditions, a physician will be able to properly diagnose the condition based on your symptoms. If the pain is caused by an infection or inflammation, your doctor will recommend a treatment.
A painful, aching jaw is one of the most common symptoms of TMJ disorder, or temporomandibular joint disorder. Pain from your wisdom teeth can extend to neighboring teeth and make eating difficult. You may also experience an increased risk of infection if the wisdom teeth become impacted. In addition, your pain may be accompanied by headaches or jaw aches. The discomfort is often accompanied by gum infection, which can aggravate the pain.[2]
Impacted wisdom teeth
If you have impacted wisdom teeth, you’re probably feeling some kind of discomfort in your jaw. The partially-erupted teeth may have a flap of extra gum tissue that collects food and bacteria, which can cause swelling and pain. The resulting infection is known as pericontis, and it can spread to the neck and throat. Eventually, it will grow into a cyst. This can lead to pain and swelling in the jaw area, as well as infection of the surrounding gum tissue and bone.
Although it’s important to keep track of the progress of the wisdom teeth, if you’re experiencing pain, you should see your dentist. It’s best to have a comprehensive oral exam and radiographs at least twice a year. If the pain is accompanied by swelling, bad breath, and/or small pimple-like bumps on the gum tissue, you should schedule an appointment immediately. A dentist can recommend an immediate extraction of the tooth if it’s impacted.[3]
Impacted wisdom teeth can be dangerous. An impacted tooth can push on the neighboring teeth, leading to cavities and damage to other teeth and gums. An upper wisdom tooth may push out sideways, causing an ulcer on the cheek. Alternatively, food can get lodged between the impacted wisdom tooth and molar, causing cavities in both. In addition, impacted wisdom teeth can cause headaches and sinus problems.
Root canals
When a tooth has deep cavities, bacteria begin to grow in the pulp. When bacteria multiply, they spread, and the tooth is inflamed. This inflamed tissue can cause pain and can also travel into the jawbone. If left untreated, the tooth may fall out. It is important to visit a dentist right away if you experience these symptoms. In some cases, the tooth may be saved without root canal treatment.
During a root canal, the dentist removes the tooth’s painful nerve chamber and fills the inside with a material called pulp. Once the root canal is complete, the tooth is no longer vital. The surrounding area will be numb. Many patients report less pain after the procedure than they did prior. Antibiotics can alleviate some of the pain, but they do not heal the abscess.[4] However, they can make the tooth more comfortable to numb.
Another advantage of root canals for the treatment of jaw pain and wisdom teeth is the fact that they save the natural teeth. Tooth extractions can cause other problems and lead to jaw pain and bone loss. The best way to prevent this from happening is to save your natural teeth. Root canal treatment has a 95% success rate and is an excellent option for teeth extraction. It can also preserve the integrity of the bite.
Cold compresses
Ice packs are great for numbing the jaw. You can also apply them on the jaw if it is inflamed, which may be caused by your wisdom teeth. However, ice packs are only effective in the short term. In the event that a painier solution isn’t available, consult your dentist. This remedy is the simplest and most effective one. It is easy to use and will reduce the pain.
You should also try using cold compresses on the area after oral surgery. This will help to reduce the swelling. Make sure to wrap the cold source in a towel so that it doesn’t make contact with the skin. Apply the cold compress to the outside of the face for about fifteen minutes and then change it after that. Do not apply the cold compress more than once a day. Otherwise, it will reduce its effectiveness.
Another type of ice pack is available from the pharmacy. There are also wraps made for the face that are adjustable. These wraps are made to fit snugly over the face. You can even use them to relieve TMJ pain. Another alternative to ice packs is the jaw ice wrap. It comes with 4 gel ice packs that you can adjust to fit your jaw contour. They’re perfect for relieving pain from jaw surgeries, toothaches, and more.[5]
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Some of the most common OTC pain relievers for jaw and toothaches include acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs help to reduce inflammation, which is one of the causes of aches and pains in the mouth. Acetaminophen is available as a generic and as a pill, while ibuprofen is a brand name medicine. NSAIDs are known to reduce pain by blocking pain signaling. Aspirin is another common OTC pain reliever.
Over-the-counter ibuprofen and acetaminophen are more effective at treating dental pain than opioids. These drugs are safer and have fewer side effects compared to opioids. NSAIDs may be used as a temporary treatment before visiting the dentist. But you should always consult your dentist as soon as you begin to experience any pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers are not a substitute for a dental visit.
If you want to try something natural without prescription, you can apply clove oil to the area. Clove oil is a natural anesthetic and antibacterial that can relieve jaw pain and toothache. Apply a small amount to a cotton ball and gently rub it against the gums where the wisdom tooth is surfacing. Repeat this procedure a few times to achieve the desired results.[6]
Surgery
After wisdom teeth removal, patients may experience swelling and bruising in the mouth for up to three days. While this is normal, patients may experience some pain, especially if they try to open their mouth too wide immediately after the procedure. Pain usually does not last long, but it can reoccur if the wound becomes infected or dried blood closes too quickly. Afterward, patients should use antiseptic mouthwash and mouth gels to reduce swelling and discomfort. Occasionally, a fever will be felt, so patients should consult their doctor if their symptoms do not improve within a few days.
If you are considering having this procedure, remember to take time off work and avoid strenuous exercise for a few days. Although the surgical area will not be visible after the procedure, it is important to stay away from hot or cold foods for two days after the procedure to avoid possible complications. If you are planning to drive after surgery, remember to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after the procedure. Your dentist will likely provide you with instructions on how to drive after the procedure.[7]
If you are planning to have surgery to remove your wisdom teeth, it is important to disclose any health conditions that may interfere with the surgery, anaesthesia, or postoperative care. Your doctor may recommend blood tests, aspirin, or cough medications prior to surgery. Your surgeon will also ask about any medications you may be taking, including over-the-counter pain relievers. The surgery should last no longer than 45 minutes.[8]
