Confusing TMJ With Wisdom Tooth Pain

Confusing TMJ With Wisdom Tooth Pain: How To Tell The Difference?

Experiencing jaw pain can be distressing, and many people often confuse TMJ vs. wisdom tooth pain due to the similar symptoms these conditions show. The right diagnosis is the first step to the right treatment and finding a permanent solution to the problem. This blog will help you learn the difference between TMJ and wisdom tooth pain, wisdom tooth pain and TMJ causes and symptoms, and their treatments.
So, let’s begin!

Understanding TMJ vs. Wisdom Tooth Pain

Problems with the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement are called TMJ disorders. This can lead to discomfort, clicking sounds, and headaches.
Main causes include:

• Jaw injuries
• Teeth grinding
• Arthritis

On the other hand, wisdom tooth pain occurs when the third molars grow at an angle affecting neighbouring teeth or remain trapped within the gums, which is caused by lack of adequate space on the jaws, thus causing swelling and pains.

Though both conditions impact the jaw, they have different causes and require different treatments, which is why correct diagnosis is crucial.

Knowing The Symptoms

You need to know the signs linked to each disease to know what to do next.

Symptoms of TMJ Pain

People experiencing TMJ pain might notice the following symptoms:

• Jaw pain when chewing or speaking
• Clicking and popping sounds when moving the jaw
• Headaches and neck pain
• Ear pain or ringing in the ears
• Jaw movement or locking that is limited

Wisdom Tooth Pain Symptoms

In contrast, wisdom tooth pain symptoms include:

• Pain in the back of the jaw
• Swollen or red gums
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• A bad taste in the mouth or bad breath
• Swelling in the jaw or cheeks

Diagnosing TMJ vs. Wisdom Tooth Pain

When it comes to diagnosing TMJ vs. dental issues related to wisdom teeth, dentists and maxillofacial surgeons use specific diagnostic tools like X-rays, CT scans, and physical exams. They may examine the jaw joint, teeth alignment and wisdom tooth positioning to determine the cause of your discomfort. It is important to have a thorough examination to avoid misdiagnosis and get the right treatment.

Treatment Options: TMJ vs. Wisdom Tooth Pain

 

Let’s explore different treatment options available for both TMJ disorder and wisdom tooth pain one by one:

TMJ Treatment

For individuals experiencing early-stage TMJ disorders, several effective non-invasive methods can be employed:

• Medications: Doctors may prescribe painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants to help you find relief from pain and inflammation in the TMJ.
• Physical Therapy: Some special TMJ exercises and physical therapy can help you strengthen jaw muscles and release tension. 
• Mouth Guards: Mouthguards are used to prevent teeth clenching, which puts pressure on the jaws during the night.
• Botox Injections: Botox is also used to reduce tension and discomfort in the muscles around the TMJ.

For people with more severe symptoms, they could benefit from surgeries such as:

• TMJ Arthroscopy: In this surgery, the maxillofacial surgeon performs an incision near the ear and then places a thin tube with a camera and light. This approach enables the surgeon to debride scar tissue, decrease inflammation, contour the bone or reposition the disc.
• Open Joint Surgery: Used for severe conditions, it implies an extensive incision that will allow the surgeon to have a straight view of the jaw joint. It is usually used when the joint is stiff because of overgrowth of the bones or the formation of excessive tissue or bone bridging the joint. 

Wisdom Tooth Pain Treatment

At the initial stage, wisdom tooth pain can often be managed with home remedies such as ice packs and saltwater rinse.

However, if these remedies don’t provide sufficient relief, you may need to move toward medical treatment, such as:

• Numbing Gel: Topical an aesthetic gels available without prescription and containing benzocaine can be quite helpful in reducing gum sensitivity.
• Pain Killer: These drugs work well in controlling pain and inflammation.
• Acupuncture: This therapy is efficacious for acute dental pain management.
• Wisdom Teeth Removal: If using the above treatments doesn’t solve your wisdom tooth pain problem, then you may need to go for a wisdom tooth extraction.

Conclusion

Knowing the difference between TMJ pain and wisdom tooth pain will prevent unneeded discomfort. The blog clarifies the dissimilarity between TMJ pain and wisdom tooth pain to avoid unnecessary suffering and make appropriate treatment.
Whether you need TMJ pain relief or wisdom tooth extraction, it’s crucial to consult with a dentist or maxillofacial surgeon for an accurate diagnosis. 

TMJ disorders or wisdom tooth pain patients can seek treatment at Gnathos Facial. Our specialists use advanced techniques and technology to provide personalized treatment options, ensuring a smooth and pain-free experience. Consult with our experienced maxillofacial surgeons, who are dedicated to helping you find relief from your face and jaw-related problems permanently and restore your quality of life.

Q1. Can TMJ and wisdom tooth pain happen at the same time?

Yes. You can Have TMJ disorder and wisdom tooth pain simultaneously, as both conditions affect the jaw area. However, they are different, so it is important to consult a dentist or maxillofacial surgeon to determine the real issue so you can get the right treatment

Q2. How to tell if it’s TMJ or wisdom teeth pain?

TMJ pain may include jaw popping, headaches and earaches, while wisdom tooth pain leads to swelling and pain at the back of the jaw. An examination of the teeth, including X-rays, can determine the exact cause of the problem.

Q3. How can I ensure faster recovery from wisdom teeth removal ?

Follow your surgeon or dentist’s advice and avoid touching the area, clean gently, use ice packs and do not take hard food for quick healing. It is also important to drink plenty of water and to take any prescribed pain medication for quick recovery.

Q4. What are some dental care for TMJ patients?

TMJ patients should not consume hard or chewy foods, perform jaw exercises, and use a mouthguard to prevent grinding. Regular dental checkups also help in controlling TMJ symptoms properly.

Q5. Can wisdom tooth pain cause jaw joint issues like TMJ?