Teenagers and young adults between the ages of 17 and 25 experience the development of their third molars, more commonly known as wisdom teeth. Although many partially erupt and are visible above the gumline, some remain buried or impacted, out of sight. This unfortunate reality often causes them to grow sideways, but why? Read on to learn why this happens and what dentists can do to address the problem.
Impaction: Why Does It Happen?
Wisdom teeth were once necessary for nutrition among early humans, as these teeth were used to gnaw and chew harder, dense game. However, changes in diet and jaw size caused them to no longer serve a purpose. Unfortunately, their development continues, often resulting in various dental complications, one of which is sideways growth.
Researchers believe this unique pattern occurs because of dietary changes (from denser to softer foods) that contribute to a narrower jaw, and genetics, as some individuals have smaller jaws than others.
As a result, one key component makes it harder for wisdom teeth to erupt like other teeth – space. Humans now have much smaller jawbones than those of our early ancestors, which means these teeth struggle to erupt and often grow sideways.
How Can Sideways Teeth Have a Negative Effect?
Teeth that grow sideways beneath the gumline are known to cause overcrowding, infection, and discomfort. As they press against healthy tooth structure, they can cause the remaining teeth to shift and move out of alignment.
Inflammation, infection, and other oral health issues can arise if appropriate treatment is not administered in a timely manner. Fortunately, many dentists are well-versed in how to handle this type of problem.
How Can These Wisdom Teeth Be Treated?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a popular and widely used solution dentists use to remove these third molars. Unlike other teeth that require replacement, these do not. Instead, they are extracted to create more space inside the mouth so that teeth do not appear overcrowded or become damaged.
A dentist will evaluate a person’s smile to determine whether wisdom teeth have partially erupted or remain impacted, as this will determine how to approach treatment. While a simpler procedure can be used to extract those teeth visible above the gumline, a more surgical method is required for impacted wisdom teeth.
The dentist will make a small incision in the gums to expose the tooth and underlying bone. Using careful precision, the tooth will likely be separated into sections for easier removal.
Treating impacted wisdom teeth is necessary if you want to maintain better oral and overall health in the long run. By removing them, your mouth will receive the space it needs to thrive.
About Our Practice
Beverly Farms Dental has been a staple in the community for over 30 years. Providing a high level of care to residents, our dentists are here to ensure the health, safety, and comfort of everyone who walks through our doors. When cases involving impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth arise, you can trust that we will pursue a patient-focused, comfort-based approach so that the procedure is swift and successful from beginning to end. If you or a loved one needs an oral examination to determine if wisdom tooth extraction is necessary, call our dental office to schedule an appointment.
