Who is Likely to Have Problematic Wisdom Teeth?
Posted on 10/1/2024 by Artistic Smiles |
 Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last permanent teeth to erupt, usually in your late teens or early twenties. While some people have wisdom teeth that erupt normally and cause no problems, others experience complications that require removal. If you're wondering whether your wisdom teeth might be problematic, here are some factors to consider:
Age
The younger you are, the more likely your wisdom teeth are to erupt without complications. This is because the jawbone is still growing and there's more space for the wisdom teeth to come in. As you get older, the jawbone becomes denser and there's less space, making it more likely for the wisdom teeth to become impacted.
Angle of eruption
Ideally, wisdom teeth should erupt straight up and down, just like your other teeth. However, sometimes they erupt at an angle, towards the second molar or even horizontally. This can cause them to become impacted, meaning they're trapped beneath the gum tissue or bone. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a variety of problems, including:
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Pain and swelling: Impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on the surrounding teeth, causing pain and swelling. |
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Infection: Food and bacteria can get trapped around an impacted wisdom tooth, leading to infection that can spread to other areas of the mouth. |
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Damage to other teeth: The pressure from impacted wisdom teeth can damage the roots of neighboring teeth, eventually causing them to need root canal treatment or even extraction. |
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Cyst formation: A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can form around an impacted wisdom tooth. Cysts can damage the jawbone and surrounding teeth. |
Crowding
If your jaw is already crowded, there may not be enough space for your wisdom teeth to erupt properly. This can lead to them becoming impacted or causing other problems.
Other factors
Other factors that can increase your risk of having problematic wisdom teeth include:
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Genetics: If your parents or siblings had problems with their wisdom teeth, you're more likely to experience problems as well. |
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Medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as cleft palate, can increase your risk of having impacted wisdom teeth. |
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Poor oral hygiene: Poor oral hygiene can make it more likely for food and bacteria to get trapped around your wisdom teeth, leading to infection. |
What should I do if I think my wisdom teeth might be problematic?
If you're experiencing any pain or swelling in your jaw, it's important to see your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to examine your wisdom teeth and determine if they need to be removed. In some cases, your dentist may recommend monitoring your wisdom teeth to see if they erupt on their own. However, if they are causing problems or are at risk of doing so, they will likely recommend extraction.
Problematic Wisdom Teeth?
While not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, it's important to be aware of the potential problems they can cause. If you think your wisdom teeth might be problematic, don't hesitate to see your dentist. Early detection and treatment can help you avoid more serious problems down the road.
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