Tooth Issues After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Q: Tooth Issues After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Hello： Based on what you described, "I have been eating with my left side and then shifting to the right," it seems that there are two or more centric occlusions, leading to instability and imbalance on both sides. <br>Some individuals may experience symptoms such as cheek sorene

Tooth issues: molars?

Hello Dr.
Lin! I recently had my upper right and lower right wisdom teeth extracted in March, and now I feel like my upper right first molar is too high when I bite down, as if something is pressing against my teeth.
When I had the stitches from the lower wisdom tooth removed, I informed my dentist about this issue.
He gave me a bite splint to use and adjusted my teeth, which made me feel a bit better for a while.
Now that I am about to have my lower left wisdom tooth extracted, I’ve been eating on the right side, and that uncomfortable feeling has returned.
I realized I’ve been using my left side to chew, and switching back to the right side has made it difficult to bite down, causing soreness in my cheek.
At night, I unconsciously grind my teeth, which I’ve never done before.
I discovered I was grinding my right teeth while half-awake, and once I ground down something and accidentally swallowed it, which startled me awake and made me feel a bit better.
Today, I scheduled my next extraction appointment and mentioned this to my dentist.
During the teeth cleaning, he said there were no loose fillings or tartar, and my gums were healthy.
He again gave me the bite splint and made further adjustments.
I only feel like something is pressing against my teeth after eating; after cleaning my teeth and waking up without eating, I don’t have that sensation.
Before the wisdom teeth extractions, I didn’t have this issue.
If the problem doesn’t improve, which specialist do you recommend I see? (My upper right wisdom tooth was very large with six roots, and even the dentist commented on its size.
Could this be related?)

Ms. Huang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/17

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: Based on what you described, "I have been eating with my left side and then shifting to the right," it seems that there are two or more centric occlusions, leading to instability and imbalance on both sides.
Some individuals may experience symptoms such as cheek soreness and limited mouth opening.
If all four wisdom teeth have been extracted, it is advisable to consider orthodontic treatment to align the occlusion on both sides to the same horizontal plane, which may improve the current condition.

Reply Date: 2023/05/17

More Info

After wisdom tooth extraction, many patients experience a range of issues, including discomfort, changes in bite, and even grinding of teeth. Your situation, where you feel a sensation of something being "high" or "blocking" in your bite after the extraction of your upper right wisdom tooth and lower wisdom tooth, is not uncommon. This can happen for several reasons.

Firstly, when a wisdom tooth is extracted, the surrounding teeth may shift slightly, which can alter your bite. If the upper right first molar feels higher than before, it could be due to the loss of the opposing tooth (the lower wisdom tooth) that previously helped maintain the bite relationship. This can lead to a feeling of discomfort or pressure when chewing, as your teeth may not be aligning properly anymore.

The fact that your dentist used a bite plate to adjust your occlusion (bite) suggests that they are aware of this issue. Adjusting the height of your teeth through selective grinding can help alleviate the discomfort. However, if you continue to feel discomfort, it may indicate that further adjustments are necessary, or that there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Regarding your experience of teeth grinding (bruxism), this can sometimes be a response to discomfort or stress. If you are unconsciously grinding your teeth at night, it could be a reaction to the discomfort you are feeling in your bite. This can lead to further dental issues, including wear on your teeth and jaw pain. It’s important to address this behavior, as it can exacerbate existing problems.

You mentioned that you felt a sensation of having something stuck in your teeth after eating, which subsided when you were not eating. This could be related to the way your teeth are now coming together after the extraction. If your bite is off, food may get trapped more easily, leading to discomfort.
As for your question about the size of your upper right wisdom tooth, larger teeth can indeed affect how your bite feels. If the tooth was particularly large or had multiple roots, its extraction could have a more significant impact on your surrounding teeth and overall bite alignment.

If your symptoms persist despite adjustments, it would be advisable to consult with a specialist. A good option would be to see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or a prosthodontist. These specialists can provide a more in-depth evaluation of your bite and any potential issues related to the extraction. They can also assess whether any further treatment is needed, such as orthodontic adjustments or even a night guard to help with your grinding.

In summary, after wisdom tooth extraction, it’s common to experience changes in bite and discomfort. Continuous communication with your dentist is crucial, and if issues persist, seeking a second opinion from a specialist may provide additional insights and solutions. Remember, your oral health is important, and addressing these concerns early can prevent more significant issues down the line.

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