A misaligned jaw can contribute to many problems, including pain, difficulty chewing, and even speech issues. However, your oral surgery team at OMSH has effective treatment options that can correct jaw misalignment. Today, you’ll learn about three types of treatments that can reduce your discomfort and promote good oral and general health. Consequently, at the top of the heap is having a wisdom tooth extraction.

Common Causes and Symptoms of Jaw Misalignment

Here are some common reasons why you might have a misaligned jaw. They are as follows:

  • Trauma (fracture, dislocation, or broken jaw)
  • TMJ disorder
  • Genetics
  • Teeth misalignment

Symptoms of Jaw Misalignment

    • Pain in your jaw
    • Sore temples
    • Clicking/popping jaw
    • Also, muscle tightness in the face, jaw, and neck
    • Back or shoulder pain
    • Popping in your ear
    • Earache without infection
    • Frequent headaches
    • Difficulty or discomfort while chewing or swallowing
    • Difficulty speaking

Three Treatment Options Your Oral Surgeon May Recommend

If you have jaw misalignment symptoms, your dental practitioner will recommend at least one of the following treatments.

1. Dental or Other Wisdom Tooth Extractions

If you don’t have enough space for your wisdom teeth, they’ll push other teeth out of alignment as they erupt. To prevent this, however, your dentist will recommend wisdom tooth extractions.

In some cases, the wisdom teeth aren’t the only teeth causing misalignment. Due to anatomical issues, other teeth may be crowded, crooked, and out of alignment. TMJ disorder is often the result, as well as cracked or broken teeth. However, if orthodontia alone can’t treat this level of misalignment, extractions may be indicated.

2. Orthognathic Surgery

Corrective jaw surgery can also create an ideal bite by properly aligning your jawbones. The surgery takes place in a hospital and surgical plates, screws, and wires may be used. Multiple conditions can be treated with orthognathic surgery, including:

    • TMJ disorder
    • Severe malocclusion
    • Improper facial development
    • Obstructive sleep apnea
    • Facial trauma

3. Physical Therapy

For patients who want to put surgery off or don’t want it at all, physical therapy can help reduce painful symptoms. The therapist performs techniques that loosen the facial muscles to improve joint mobility and alleviate disc and joint stress.

Depending on the severity of your misalignment, you may be a candidate for combined treatment. Therefore, the oral maxillofacial surgeons of OMSH will work with your dental practitioner to recommend the best options. Overall, we want to ensure the best patient outcomes that will help restore oral functionality and a confident smile.

Wisdom Tooth Extractions- Top Way to Prevent Jaw Misalignment

If good genes are on your side and you don’t suffer from misalignment. Furthermore, you can keep it that way by considering wisdom tooth extractions as needed.

When your wisdom teeth start to come in, they can lead to jaw and tooth pain. They can also lead to crowding and misalignment of your teeth and jaws. However, you can avoid the discomfort altogether with a wisdom tooth extraction sooner rather than later.

If it’s time you consider having wisdom teeth pulled, or you need treatment for misalignment, contact us to schedule a consultation. Or for immediate assistance, we’re also a phone call away. Call 713-804-6055 for an appointment or also for more information.