Jaw Clicking After Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Causes and Solutions

After having wisdom teeth extracted, there is a clicking sound when moving the upper and lower jaws?

Hello Doctor, I remember that last summer I developed a wisdom tooth.
After several days of pain, I went to the dentist, who advised me to have the wisdom tooth extracted.
He said that even if I took painkillers and the pain subsided, it would return after a while if I didn't have it removed.
So, I followed the doctor's advice and had the last upper right wisdom tooth extracted.
I usually chewed food with that tooth and the one below it.
After the extraction, I constantly felt a void where the tooth used to be, and it was very uncomfortable.
Whenever I opened my mouth, there was a slight "clicking" sound.
At first, I thought it was just in my head and that it would go away after some time, but it didn't.
Instead, the situation worsened; what started as a sound only I could hear became audible to anyone sitting next to me.
Each click also caused pain in my cheeks and around my ears, and it hurt more when I exerted myself.
So, I returned to the clinic to ask the doctor what was happening.
He gave me a rather official-sounding explanation, saying that extracting a wisdom tooth should not affect the upper and lower jaws.
He suggested that I might have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation or deformity, or possibly damage to the articular disc, and since the timing of these issues coincided closely with the extraction, I mistakenly thought they were related.
He told me not to worry about it.
However, how could I not worry when eating and speaking caused that sound, and there was pain from the friction of my upper and lower jaws? He also mentioned that their clinic could not treat it and advised me to go to a larger hospital, which left me feeling very frustrated.
I would like to ask you, Doctor, what do you think about my situation? What kind of symptoms am I experiencing? This has been going on for a year now, and I hear that sound every day.
It is driving me crazy and has significantly impacted my life.
I feel desperate and wonder why I, a perfectly healthy person, have ended up like this.
I even naively thought about getting that tooth filled, but when I went for an implant, the doctor said it couldn't be done, and no one implants wisdom teeth.
No doctor can fill that space, which has left me very disappointed.
Please help me understand.

Wen Zheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/04

Dr. Huang Zhicheng reply Dentistry

Hello, you may have a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, where the meniscus of the joint is displaced anteriorly, causing clicking sounds when opening and closing your mouth or chewing.
This is indeed unrelated to wisdom tooth extraction; however, the need to open your mouth wide during the extraction can further displace the joint disc.
It would be better to address the issue of the displaced joint disc before proceeding with dental treatment.
Wishing you peace and good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Huang Chih-Cheng, Director of Dentistry, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/04/04

More Info

After wisdom tooth extraction, many patients experience various symptoms, including jaw clicking, pain, and discomfort. Your situation, where you are experiencing a persistent clicking sound and pain in the jaw area, is not uncommon and can be attributed to several factors related to the extraction and the healing process.

Causes of Jaw Clicking After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
1. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction: The TMJ connects the jawbone to the skull and is responsible for the movement of the jaw. After wisdom tooth extraction, especially if the tooth was impacted or if there was significant manipulation of the surrounding tissues, the joint may become irritated or inflamed. This can lead to clicking sounds when opening or closing the mouth, as well as pain in the jaw area.

2. Changes in Bite Alignment: The removal of a tooth can alter the way your teeth come together when you bite. This misalignment can lead to uneven pressure on the jaw joint, causing clicking and discomfort. If the upper and lower teeth do not align properly after the extraction, it can lead to strain on the jaw muscles and joints.

3. Muscle Strain: The muscles that control jaw movement can become strained during the extraction process or due to compensatory movements after the tooth is removed. This strain can lead to discomfort and clicking sounds as the muscles may not be functioning optimally.

4. Bone Healing and Remodeling: After a tooth is extracted, the bone in that area undergoes healing and remodeling. This process can sometimes lead to changes in the structure of the jaw, which may contribute to clicking sounds or discomfort.

Solutions and Recommendations
1. Consult a Specialist: Since your symptoms have persisted for a year, it is advisable to seek a consultation with a specialist, such as an oral surgeon or a dentist who specializes in TMJ disorders. They can perform a thorough examination, possibly including imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs, to assess the condition of your TMJ and surrounding structures.

2. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist who specializes in jaw disorders can help you with exercises to strengthen the jaw muscles, improve mobility, and reduce pain. They may also use modalities such as ultrasound or heat therapy to alleviate discomfort.

3. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain. In some cases, a dentist may prescribe muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce discomfort.

4. Jaw Exercises: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the jaw can help improve function and reduce clicking. Your healthcare provider can guide you on appropriate exercises.

5. Avoiding Strain: Be mindful of activities that may strain your jaw, such as chewing hard foods, clenching your teeth, or excessive jaw movements. Using a soft diet temporarily may help reduce discomfort.

6. Mouthguard: If you tend to grind your teeth or clench your jaw, a custom-fitted mouthguard can help protect your teeth and reduce strain on the jaw joint.

7. Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-ups with your dentist or oral surgeon are crucial to monitor your healing process and address any ongoing issues. If necessary, they may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.

Conclusion
Experiencing jaw clicking and pain after wisdom tooth extraction can be distressing, especially when it affects your daily life. Understanding the potential causes and seeking appropriate care can help alleviate your symptoms. It’s essential to communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your concerns and to advocate for the care you need. Remember, you are not alone in this experience, and there are effective treatments available to help you regain comfort and function.

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