TMJ and wisdom tooth extraction?

Is it better to go under general anesthesia rather than local for a wisdom tooth extraction on someone suffering from TMJ syndrome? I have TMJ so bad that I can't open my mouth enough to even eat a hamburger or hot dog anymore. I am scheduled to get my top two teeth removed this wednesday and I am getting nervous.





Also, how and where can you get a bite plate that I have read about for TMJ sufferers? I have actually just recently found out that this is what is causing my jaw problems. I had never heard of it prior.

TMJ and wisdom tooth extraction?
Upper extractions will not worsen your TMJ, except for the time you have your mouth open. The top jaw is part of your skull and can take all the force required without disturbing the joint.


For lower wisdoms however, the dentist has to try and stabilise your lower jaw against the forces he exerts downwards and sideways. You would be able to help a bit with your muscles in resisting. Under GA, you can't help, and this is where there is more likely to be injury.


If practicable, I would suggest a TMJ sufferer to have lower teeth extracted in the chair with a rubber bite block onto which they can bite and thus help stabilise the jaw. Premed with NSAIDs or muscle relaxants (e.g. diazepams) may also help.


A bite plane (or occlusal splint) may help you. Please get a full coverage one that allows all your teeth to contact. There have been some problems associated with the smaller anterior splints that only rest against a few teeth. If you are having this degree of problem, then I would suggest it well worth the money to see a prosthodontist for the best possible treatment.
Reply:I have had had teeth extracted and it has not lessened TMJ. It is better to get a bite plate....get a second opimion or a third if you like. Some Dentists just go hell bent for leather if you let them....
Reply:I have tmj and it stands for temporal manuabler joint,,,,and I grind myteeth something terrible,,,I have a guard that I slleep in and My teeth seem tomove which is normal but not to that degree that mine dones so I go todentst and one that is a tmj specialist, I am much better now but I know what you are going through.Your dentist will fit you with a guard.
Reply:I would reccomend a general anesthesia for your extractions. Just for the simple fact that your mouth will need to opened wide enough to extract the teeth. A local will not relieve TMJ pain.





Talk to your dentist about fabricating a night guard for you. Sometimes this can relieve some of the tension put on to the TMJ. There are many different causes for disfunction of your TMJ. Grinding and clenching seems to come out on top from my personal experience.





Having one of these appliances made is a simple procedure. At your first visit impressions will be taken of your upper and lower teeth. The following visit your appliance will be tryed in and you should walk out of the office with it.





I hope this will help. Usually the last resort would be to see an oral surgeon.





Good luck!