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.
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