Ah, wisdom teeth! Their appearance marks a definitive transition from childhood to adulthood. Even so, they don’t always come when, or how, you expect. Sometimes these teeth grow at strange angles, or sometimes not at all—getting stuck under the gumline. So, why do these third molars end up like this so much?
If you want to learn all about wisdom teeth and why they often grow sideways, continue reading!
Wisdom Teeth Grow Sideways Due to Lack of Space
The primary reason wisdom teeth grow sideways is a lack of space to erupt properly. Evolution is mostly to blame for this. At one time, the jaws of human ancestors were larger and required more teeth to chew tough foods. Over time, their brains grew larger while their jaws got smaller. However, wisdom teeth hung around, still trying to emerge—even when they’re not needed.
Humans have these third molars for the same reason they have an appendix or a tailbone. At one time, these were useful to have, but evolution hasn’t caught up with human advancement.
Why are Sideways Wisdom Teeth an Issue?
When wisdom teeth are unable to fully emerge due to obstructions or limited space, they may become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth often grow at angles as they try to find a path of least resistance. Soon, however, they grow into the gums or other teeth leading to discomfort, pain, and potential complications if untreated.
These problems can worsen over time causing damage to surrounding teeth or oral infections. They can also cause excruciating pain as they press against tooth roots or nerve endings. When wisdom teeth become impacted, it’s usually only a matter of time before something goes wrong.
What Can be Done About Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
The most common way to deal with impacted wisdom teeth is to have them extracted. An experienced oral surgeon can easily open the gum tissue, loosen the tooth, and gently wiggle it free before it does any more damage. While not all third molars will cause pain and damage, it’s often best not to leave anything to chance. Your jaw will continue to change as you age, so there’s no way to know how they might cause problems later in life.
If you suspect that your wisdom teeth are impacted, especially if you’re experiencing any associated symptoms, contact your oral surgeon. It’s important to have them corrected quickly for proper management. Early treatment can help prevent complications down the road, leaving you with a stress-free smile.
About the Practice
If you’re feeling pain or irritation from impacted or sideways wisdom teeth, our team of experienced dental surgeons at South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery can help. They’re experts at extracting wisdom teeth painlessly and efficiently to get you back to living your life in a snap. Call (561) 203-5744 to schedule a wisdom tooth extraction consultation or visit the website to browse their full menu of services.