Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction Bite Issues

After having my wisdom teeth extracted, I feel that my bite is misaligned?

Hello, Doctor: A few months ago, I had an X-ray taken, and both of my lower wisdom teeth are at a 45-degree angle, so they are unlikely to erupt.
The upper ones have erupted normally.
However, recently, my upper right wisdom tooth occasionally rubs against the soft tissue of my lower jaw.
A few days ago, I visited the dentist, and he mentioned that since there are no teeth below, the upper wisdom tooth will continue to grow.
He suggested that it would be better to extract it if it continues to cause irritation.
Therefore, I decided to have it removed.
However, after the extraction, I feel that my bite is off.
When I was younger, I had a crooked tooth that was extracted, which was not a primary tooth.
I'm not sure if my bite feels strange because I'm missing a tooth or if it's normal for the bite to feel off after wisdom tooth extraction.

Xiao Fu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/28

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

It is recommended to consult a dentist for further evaluation and to identify the underlying causes of the abnormal bite.

Reply Date: 2015/10/28

More Info

After wisdom tooth extraction, it is common for patients to experience changes in their bite or occlusion. This can be particularly noticeable if the extraction involved teeth that were positioned at an angle, as in your case with the wisdom teeth. The fact that you had previously undergone tooth extraction during childhood could also contribute to the feeling of an abnormal bite, as the overall alignment of your teeth may have been affected.

When a tooth is removed, especially a wisdom tooth, the surrounding teeth may shift slightly to fill the space left behind. This shifting can lead to temporary changes in how your teeth come together when you bite down. It is not unusual for patients to feel that their bite is "off" for a few weeks after the extraction. The surrounding muscles and tissues may also take some time to adjust to the new arrangement of teeth.

In your situation, since the upper right wisdom tooth was causing irritation to the lower gums, the decision to extract it was likely a sound one. However, it is important to monitor how your bite feels in the weeks following the extraction. If the feeling of an abnormal bite persists beyond a few weeks, or if you experience discomfort or pain, it would be advisable to return to your dentist for a follow-up evaluation.

Your dentist can assess whether the extraction site is healing properly and if any adjustments are needed. They may also check for any misalignment issues that could be contributing to your bite discomfort. In some cases, a dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment or other interventions to help realign the teeth if significant shifting has occurred.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the sensation of an "off" bite can sometimes be exacerbated by the inflammation or swelling that can occur after an extraction. Ensuring that you follow post-operative care instructions, such as maintaining good oral hygiene and possibly using saltwater rinses, can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

In summary, while it is normal to experience some changes in your bite after wisdom tooth extraction, especially if there were pre-existing alignment issues, it is important to keep an open line of communication with your dentist. If the feeling of an abnormal bite continues or worsens, seeking further evaluation will help ensure that any underlying issues are addressed promptly. Your oral health is paramount, and your dentist is there to assist you in navigating any concerns that arise during your recovery.

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