Are Angled Wisdom Teeth Linked to Jaw Clicking?
Greetings! I'm a 27-year-old woman, and I’d like to share my situation regarding my wisdom teeth. They began to emerge when I was about 21 or 22, and currently, only 75-80% of them have fully come through. To be specific, my upper right wisdom tooth is growing at an angle of around 60° toward my cheek. The left upper tooth appears to be slightly angled in a similar direction. Presently, I’m not experiencing any pain; however, I have concerns about potential complications in the future. A year ago, I consulted with a dentist who informed me that extraction isn’t necessary unless issues arise. Nevertheless, it's been 5-6 years since I noticed any of these teeth completely breaking through the gum. Is it typical for wisdom teeth to take this long to fully erupt? Should I be alarmed about the angled teeth, even if they aren't causing me any discomfort? Additionally, I’ve noticed something else that might be connected: For the last two months, I’ve encountered a clicking sound in my jaw on the right side when I open my mouth wide, for instance, while yawning or eating. It feels as though the right side lags slightly behind the left, accompanied by a clicking noise during movement. This clicking problem occurred about two years ago as well, but it resolved on its own. Its return is bothersome, though there's no pain involved—just the annoyance of the clicking. Could this issue be associated with the way my wisdom teeth are positioned? I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights, especially from dental professionals or individuals who have faced similar situations, regarding both the clicking in my jaw and my partially erupted wisdom teeth. Thank you very much for your help!
Answers (1)
7/30/2025, 7:40:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to have concerns about your wisdom teeth and the clicking in your jaw. Here’s a breakdown of your situation and some advice on how to proceed.
Main Points:
- Delayed Eruption of Wisdom Teeth: It's not uncommon for wisdom teeth to take several years to fully erupt, especially if they are angled. However, their position can lead to complications over time.
- Jaw Clicking: Your clicking jaw may not be directly related to your wisdom teeth but could indicate a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issue, which can occur independently of tooth position.
Explanation:
- Wisdom Teeth Eruption: Wisdom teeth generally emerge between ages 17 and 25, but some can take longer. Angled teeth might pose a risk of impaction or infection even without pain, especially if they exert pressure on neighboring teeth or if the gums around them become inflamed.
- Jaw Clicking: The clicking noise in your jaw is often associated with TMJ disorders, which can be caused by factors like jaw alignment, muscle tension, or previous injuries. If it resolves without pain, it may not be a serious issue, but it can be bothersome.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Wisdom Teeth:
- Note any changes, such as pain, swelling, or difficulty in opening your mouth.
- Continue regular dental check-ups to monitor their position and assess for potential complications.
-
Address the Jaw Clicking:
- Be mindful of jaw movements, avoiding wide openings if it causes discomfort.
- Perform gentle jaw exercises, such as slowly moving your jaw side to side and up and down, to improve mobility and reduce tension.
- Managing stress through relaxation techniques can also help with any tension that might impact your jaw.
-
Consider Consultation If Symptoms Change:
- If the jaw clicking pain intensifies or if you experience swelling or significant discomfort from your wisdom teeth, seeking professional evaluation may be beneficial.
It's great that you're proactive about your dental health. Continue to monitor your symptoms, and if you notice any significant changes, consult a dental professional for further assessment.
Related Questions
Experiencing Persistent Nerve Pain After ABG Procedure
Age: 22, Weight: 61 kg, Height: 165 cm Greetings, fellow Redditors, particularly those in the medical field. I'm feeling quite distressed as I struggle with an inability to fully extend my left arm due to ongoing nerve pain, which presents itself like an electric shock each time I try to move it. This issue arose after I was hospitalized for dehydration, during which a nurse inadvertently impacted a nerve while performing an arterial blood gas (ABG) test. The sensation was excruciating and left me quite shaken. I’m deeply concerned about the possibility of lasting damage, as it has significantly hindered my daily activities. Being a nurse myself, this raises worries about my ability to perform my job effectively. Is this experience common? How long is the recovery period? Am I at risk of never returning to normal function? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. 🥺
Severe Itching on Scalp, Neck, and Ears
A 35-year-old woman, measuring 5 feet tall and weighing 165 pounds, with no current medications, a tree nut allergy, and a history of complex PTSD, faces a troubling condition. A year ago, she experienced a vaginal delivery and has also dealt with kidney stones, but no other significant health problems are noted. The relentless itching on her scalp, neck, and ears is driving her to the brink of madness. This troubling sensation has persisted for approximately a month, worsening to the extent that it disrupts her sleep patterns. Although her scalp does not exhibit any flakiness, the itch is extreme. Prior to the emergence of these symptoms, she made no lifestyle changes. Since then, she has experimented with different shampoos, but there was no noticeable improvement in her situation. Additionally, she tried a soothing serum, which only provided temporary relief for about an hour before the itchiness returned with increased intensity. Efforts to alleviate the discomfort through colder showers, varying her hair washing frequency, and using a scalp massager have all proven ineffective. For the itching affecting her neck and ears, applying Eucerin has yielded no results. Over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl and Allegra were also tried, but did not bring any relief. Notably, she has observed that a lymph node located at the back of her head, near one ear, feels hard and raised, leaving her uncertain about its significance. She is seeking advice on possible remedies for her condition and guidance on which healthcare professional to consult for a thorough examination.
Persistent Neck Discomfort for Two Months
At the age of 30, I have been grappling with swollen lymph nodes in my neck for the past two months. Initially, the discomfort was localized to the right side, but eventually, the pain spread to the left side as well. Alongside this, I began to experience chest pain and noticed a noticeable lump located beneath my right collarbone and adjacent to my sternum. The lump has a soft yet firm consistency, not being hard to the touch. Currently, I'm enduring significant pain and also dealing with tingling sensations in my extremities, which feel akin to reduced blood circulation. **Diagnostic Procedures** An ultrasound of my neck revealed two enlarged lymph nodes, measuring 1.5 cm on the left with a fatty hilum and 1.3 cm on the right. A separate ultrasound performed on the bump in my chest yielded inconclusive results. Fortunately, all blood tests returned as normal. A CT scan with contrast covering my chest and neck also indicated no abnormalities. **Medications** I'm currently prescribed Meloxicam and Gabapentin. I have a medical history of pediatric follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but no treatment was pursued since my PET scan results were normal following the surgical removal. Now, I find myself at a loss regarding the next steps. I've consulted multiple doctors, yet no clear diagnosis has been provided. Is there anyone who can offer advice or insights into my situation?
Understanding Trace Hematuria: A Personal Account
Subject Information: 21-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 187 pounds. Hello! A couple of weeks back, I underwent a flight physical, during which a urine dipstick test revealed the presence of blood, albeit in a minimal amount. I had done some abdominal exercises the previous night, so I initially thought that might explain the result. However, fast forward a few weeks to the 24th, and during my annual check-up—after another night of working my abs—I encountered a similar issue; they detected trace blood in my urine once more. With that, I had another urine test along with some bloodwork, and thankfully, my doctor informed me that everything came back normal. Despite this reassurance, she did refer me to a urologist for further evaluation. Should I be concerned about this? It does make me a bit anxious, to be honest. If it would assist, I’m happy to share the results of my lab tests.
Could Alzheimer’s Disease Affect Someone So Young?
Hello, I am reaching out because I’m concerned about my friend, who is only 18 years old. He has recently been experiencing significant memory problems and often finds himself forgetting things. After visiting a nearby hospital, he received a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. This news has left him feeling anxious and emotionally distressed. I can’t help but wonder if it’s really possible for someone so young to be afflicted with this condition. Our local medical resources are limited, and I’m uncertain about the reliability of the hospital’s diagnosis. I would greatly appreciate any insights or information that could help clarify my concerns.