Between the ages of 18 and 24, many people have their wisdom teeth removed. However, if you have temporomandibular joint disorder – known as TMD or TMJ – deciding to have your third molars removed requires much more consideration.
Dr. Chris Tye at Texas Oral Surgery Specialists near Grapevine, TX can evaluate your wisdom teeth to determine if an extraction is necessary. You can trust that he will be honest and conservative and that he will never recommend a treatment that isn’t beneficial to your health.
What are some common symptoms of TMD?
The temporomandibular joint is the most complex joint in the body, and for many people, it is the cause of severe pain and discomfort. Symptoms of TMJ include:
- Headaches
- Pain around the jaw joint
- Back or shoulder pain
- Neck stiffness
- Limited jaw movement
- Earaches and tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Clicking or popping of the jaw joint
- Dizziness
If you are nervous about your wisdom teeth removal because of TMD, Dr. Tye provides both surgical and nonsurgical solutions, including TMJ therapy. This can help your jaw relax and heal before and after your operation. Contact us today for the help and relief you need.
When is a wisdom teeth removal necessary?
A dentist or oral surgeon should evaluate your wisdom teeth every year to ensure proper development. If they notice or predict that one or more of your wisdom teeth will not grow in an upright, functional position, an extraction will be recommended. This is because unhealthy wisdom teeth are likely to cause infection in the gums, damage to the neighboring teeth, and displacement of other teeth. This is the only time removal is necessary.
Some patients decide to have their wisdom teeth extracted as a precaution, but if you have TMD, an unnecessary surgery could cause TMJ pain, swelling, and stiffness.
What if my wisdom teeth must be removed?
With over 25 years of experience and a long list of impressive credentials, Dr. Tye has developed the skills to treat patients with complex needs. He will work with you to create a comprehensive oral care plan to ensure a healthy recovery after your wisdom teeth removal. For the best possible results, here are some things he will do:
- Schedule a separate appointment before the removal to discuss ways to help your jaw rest and recover following the surgery.
- Discuss what amount of pain is normal and what side effects to expect after your procedure. This way you know if something is wrong after surgery.
- Give you specific post-op instruction. Avoiding exercise, smoking, and drinking from a straw may be advised.
- Suggest a TMJ friendly diet. For the following weeks or months, your jaw will still need to heal. Avoiding hard-to-chew breads, vegetables, and meats can speed up the recovery process.
- Recommend rest. Allowing yourself a couple of days off work will give your body more energy to heal the tissues in your mouth and the muscles and tendons in the jaw.
Contact Your Grapevine Oral Surgeon Today
Because of his experience and accomplishments, Dr. Tye has been named one of the best oral surgeons in the North Texas area by Fort Worth Magazine’s Top Doctor and Top Dentist for consecutive years. You can have confidence in his ability to provide you with compassionate, top-notch care.
To schedule an initial consultation, contact us today at (817) 552-3223.
