The wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars to emerge, and they usually start erupting in the late teens and early twenties. However, people today often do not have enough room for these teeth, which makes removing them necessary to preserve their oral health in the long run. Wisdom teeth that grow in sideways can be especially problematic by causing destructive infections of the gums and jawbone. Here’s a brief guide to why this can happen and how your dentist can address this problem.
Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?
During the period before people figured out how to cook their food, people had to rely on the raw strength of their teeth to adequately chew a course diet of raw plant matter and animal tissue. However, thousands of years of food preparation advancements have made our meals much easier to chew and swallow, and modern jawbones are often too small to accommodate the wisdom teeth. Interestingly, some research suggests that eating a coarser diet in childhood may make wisdom teeth removal less likely to be necessary.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Grow in Sideways?
In some cases, a patient’s wisdom teeth may remain in a sideways position when they erupt, and this can lead to constant discomfort while increasing their risk of oral infections. These impacted wisdom teeth can also disrupt the alignment of the teeth if the mouth doesn’t have enough room for them, which can be very frustrating for former orthodontic patients. These teeth may emerge sideways due to the smaller size of modern jaws leaving insufficient space for these molars to erupt properly.
How Can My Dentist Address Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Removing impacted wisdom teeth is usually the best way to preserve the patient’s oral health. Your dentist will begin this process by administering an appropriate anesthetic to ensure your comfort before making small incisions in the gum tissue to gain access to the teeth. If a tooth is especially large, they may have to break it into smaller pieces so they can be removed safely. After the procedure, you will receive detailed aftercare instructions to help you stay comfortable and enjoy a smooth recovery.
Don’t let impacted wisdom teeth wreck your beautiful smile. If your dentist recommends extraction, you can rest assured that it is in your best interest.
About the Author
Dr. Sarfraz Verjee earned his dental degree at the New York University College of Dentistry and has completed many hours of continuing education coursework. His office in Pasadena offers general, pediatric, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as extraction services. If you think you may need your wisdom teeth removed, contact his office online or dial (713) 943-9993.