I've got a massively infected tooth that needs to be pulled, and I have TMJ. I've heard some people say that when your teeth move after an extraction, it makes TMJ worse. Can anybody tell me if I need to worry? The tooth being pulled is a top back molar, if that matters.
2007-02-20 13:08:44 · 3 answers · asked by koolark 2 in Health ➔ Dental
DO NOT WORRY nor listen to nay sayers!! The tooth is bad and has to go. you will be better NOT worse. Put your mind at ease by asking a professional- the dentist -this question rather than listen to misguiding horror stories.
I have 25 years work experience in this field
2007-02-20 13:14:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure the person doing the extraction does not put large blocks in your mouth to keep it open, they can put cotton gauze in which won't open your mouth really wide, causing pain. Don't worry, you need to have that tooth out so you can feel better.
There are things you can do to help your TMJ: don't chew gum, hard candy or foods, or sleep on your sides. Relax your jaw before going to sleep and use night guards for bruxism. Learn to handle stress in better ways (instead of gritting your teeth), you can consciously remind yourself to not grit your teeth.
Don't let anyone talk you into surgery to break your jaw and wire it up. No, no.
2007-02-20 13:15:19 · answer #2 · answered by MadforMAC 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just let the dentist know and he will know what to do. Sometimes having a tooth pulled can also make it better due to the repositioning of your jaw. Do let the dentist know though. Could be he can suggest things to help that as well. Good luck!
2007-02-20 13:12:19 · answer #3 · answered by The_answer_person 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋