Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Houston perform surgery on the jaws, mouth and related neck and head structures. They execute multiple and complex wisdom teeth extractions and remove abnormal growths like tumors. In addition, these surgeons correct irregular jaw relations through maxillary or mandibular revision. They also prepare the mouth for dental prosthesis insertion and treat fractured jaws. One of the most frequent problems is jaw pain that can cause discomfort. Fortunately, it is a common problem that surgeons can identify and correct.
Jaw Misalignment
Problems with the jaw can be quite painful and result in blinding headaches. They can also severely impact other areas of the body. Other problems associated with this condition include:
- Tenderness in the jaw
- Uncomfortable bite
- Aching pain around the ear or inside the ear
- Excruciating facial pain
- Difficulty in fully opening the mouth
- A popping or clicking joint sensation
- Discomfort or difficulty while chewing
- Locking of the joint, which makes it difficult to close or open the mouth
- Uneven bite
It is also possible that your wisdom tooth could be responsible for the misalignment of your jaw. Fortunately, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Houston are equipped to expertly extract wisdom teeth.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Whenever a wisdom tooth is misaligned, it could be angled away from or toward the second molars, position itself horizontally or be inwardly or outwardly angled. Poor alignment of the wisdom teeth could damage or crowd adjacent teeth, the nerves or the jawbone.
There is the possibility of the wisdom teeth being impacted as well. When this happens, these teeth become enclosed within the jawbone or the soft tissue. It is also possible that they can only partially erupt or partially break through the gum. The partial eruption of a wisdom tooth creates an opening for bacteria to get around the tooth and result in an infection. This could further cause swelling, pain, jaw stiffness, severe headaches and a general feeling of being ill. In addition, partially erupted teeth are more likely to contribute to gum disease and tooth decay. This is because they are in a location that is hard to reach. This awkward positioning causes difficulty when it comes to brushing and flossing.
What Your Oral Surgeon Recommends
Your oral and maxillofacial surgeon or dentist may suggest the extraction of your wisdom teeth even before any problem starts to develop. This recommendation is typically made to prevent the need for a more complicated or more painful extraction that may have to be performed in a few years. In fact, it’s easier to remove wisdom teeth on younger individuals due to fewer possible complications. This is so because the roots of the wisdom teeth in younger people have not reached full development. The bone in the younger person is less dense as well, which makes the extraction process easier. In older individuals, the process of recovery and healing is typically longer than their younger counterparts.
Similar to other areas of dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgeons must utilize standard precautions in medical waste management. Additionally, these surgeons must ensure the proper preparation and sterilization of their instruments. Proper sterilization is vital since oral surgery entails invading the hard and soft tissues.
If you think your jaw pain is related to the misalignment of your jaw or that you need wisdom teeth removal, contact Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Houston today.
