Wisdom Teeth and TMD: Should You Remove Them?

If you’re struggling with jaw pain, clicking, locking, or persistent headaches, you might be wondering: Are my wisdom teeth making my jaw condition worse?

At Dental Physiotherapy with Lorraine Carroll & Simon Coghlan, based in Buderim here on the Sunshine Coast, this is a question we hear regularly — and the answer isn’t always straightforward.

Let’s start with the basics. TMD stands for temporomandibular disorder — a group of conditions affecting the jaw joint (TMJ), the muscles that control jaw movement, and the surrounding structures. Symptoms can include jaw pain, restricted movement, facial tension, headaches, and more. And while wisdom teeth may seem like an obvious culprit, they’re not always the root cause.

That’s why we focus on individualised, conservative treatment, working to identify what’s really driving your symptoms — not just treating the obvious.

Understanding the Role of Wisdom Teeth in Jaw Pain

Wisdom teeth — or third molars — typically emerge around the age of 17. They’re often impacted, meaning they remain trapped beneath the gum or jawbone. Impacted wisdom teeth can:

Put pressure on neighbouring teeth or bone
Cause swelling or infection
Lead to discomfort and inflammation

In these cases, removal may be necessary. But for those with TMD, it’s important to recognise that wisdom teeth aren’t always the cause of jaw symptoms, particularly if they’re not actively infected or painful.

We always recommend discussing your situation with an experienced dentist, who can assess whether removal is appropriate in your case and how it may affect your jaw health.

Prioritising Jaw Health Before Surgery

It’s a common misconception that removing wisdom teeth will “fix” TMD symptoms. In reality, if your wisdom teeth aren’t causing an acute issue, it's often best to address your jaw condition first using conservative, non-surgical approaches.

At our clinic, we focus on relieving TMD symptoms through:

Manual therapy and muscle fascia release
Dry needling and medical acupuncture
Ultrasound and low-level laser therapy
Specific advice and education about TMD pain management
Jaw retraining exercises
Collaboration with dentists or orthodontists when needed

These evidence-informed techniques work to reduce joint stress, restore proper movement, and relieve pain — often without the need for surgical intervention.

Can Erupted Wisdom Teeth Still Affect TMD?

Yes — even fully erupted wisdom teeth that appear “healthy” can still disrupt your bite alignment, also known as occlusion. This can place uneven pressure on your jaw joints and muscles, contributing to:

Clicking or popping in the jaw
Episodes of locking
Headaches, neck pain, or ear symptoms

Rather than jumping to extraction, your dentist may choose to work with us and focus on correcting how your bite and jaw function together.

What Happens If TMD Symptoms Start After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

TMD can sometimes appear or worsen after wisdom teeth are removed — often due to prolonged mouth opening during surgery, which can overstretch the jaw joint and strain the surrounding muscles or ligaments. This can lead to:

Joint instability or disc displacement
Muscle strain or inflammation
New or intensified jaw pain, clicking, or locking

These issues aren’t uncommon and aren't necessarily the surgeon's fault. If they occur, early intervention is key. Our clinic supports recovery with:

Manual therapy and jaw mobilisation
Myofascial release
Splint therapy if required, in collaboration with your dentist.
Laser and ultrasound treatment

If you’ve had a recent extraction and are noticing new jaw issues, don’t wait — the sooner we treat TMD-related complications, the better the outcome.

A Trusted, Integrated Approach to Jaw Health

At Dental Physiotherapy with Lorraine Carroll & Simon Coghlan, we combine decades of experience with a deeply personalised approach to TMD care. As a husband-and-wife team, we’ve worked with hundreds of patients to restore comfort, mobility, and quality of life — without unnecessary treatments.

We believe in collaborative care, working closely with dentists, oral surgeons, and orthodontists to ensure your treatment is comprehensive, coordinated, and focused on long-term well-being.

Book Your TMD Assessment Today

If you're experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or clicking — and you’re unsure whether your wisdom teeth are playing a role — let’s talk. We’ll help you find answers through a clear assessment and partner with your dental team when needed.

📍 Visit us at: Suite 2, 24–26 Gloucester Road, Buderim, QLD 4556📞 Call: 07 3532 8605🌐 Book online: Click here to book your appointment💻 Website: www.lcscphysiotherapy.com.au

By Lorraine Carroll