Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. However, unlike other teeth, wisdom teeth frequently grow in impacted positions, meaning they're unable to fully emerge from the gums. This sideways growth, or impaction, is a common dental issue, but why does it happen?
The answer lies in a combination of factors related to jaw size and evolutionary changes.
What Causes Wisdom Teeth to Grow Sideways?
Several contributing factors explain why wisdom teeth often grow sideways or at an angle:
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Lack of Space: This is the most common cause. Our jaws have become smaller over time due to dietary and evolutionary changes. Modern diets are softer and require less chewing, resulting in smaller jaw sizes. Simply put, there isn't enough room in the jaw for these late-arriving teeth to comfortably erupt. This lack of space often forces the wisdom teeth to grow at an angle, pushing against adjacent teeth or remaining trapped beneath the gum line.
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Angulation of Tooth Bud: The way a tooth develops within the jawbone, known as its angulation, also plays a significant role. If the wisdom tooth bud forms at an angle, it's more likely to erupt sideways or become impacted. This angulation is often genetically determined.
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Crowding: Pre-existing crowding in the mouth, where teeth are tightly packed together, can create even less space for wisdom teeth to emerge properly, increasing the chances of impaction.
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Genetic Factors: Family history of impacted wisdom teeth strongly suggests a genetic predisposition. If your parents or siblings experienced impacted wisdom teeth, you are more likely to as well.
Why Are Some Wisdom Teeth Impacted and Others Not?
The degree of impaction varies significantly between individuals and even between wisdom teeth within the same person. Some may only be partially impacted, meaning a portion of the tooth has erupted, while others may be completely submerged in the jawbone. This variation stems from the complex interplay of the factors mentioned above. The exact combination and severity of these factors determine whether a wisdom tooth will erupt normally, partially erupt, or remain fully impacted.
What Are the Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
While some impacted wisdom teeth cause no noticeable symptoms, others can lead to various problems:
- Pain and Swelling: Pressure from the impacted tooth can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the gums.
- Infection: Impacted wisdom teeth are prone to infection due to the accumulation of food particles and bacteria in the trapped area. This can lead to pericoronitis, an infection of the gum tissue surrounding the partially erupted tooth.
- Cysts and Tumors: In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can form cysts or tumors around their roots.
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth: The pressure from a sideways-growing wisdom tooth can damage or shift neighboring molars.
Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Whether or not you need to have your wisdom teeth removed depends on various factors, including the position of the teeth, the presence of symptoms, and the overall health of your mouth. A dentist or oral surgeon will conduct a thorough examination to assess your specific situation and recommend the best course of action.
How Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The procedure for removing impacted wisdom teeth typically involves a surgical extraction under local or general anesthesia. The complexity of the surgery depends on the degree of impaction and the position of the tooth.
In conclusion, the sideways growth of wisdom teeth is primarily due to a lack of space in the jaw, often exacerbated by genetic factors, tooth angulation, and existing crowding. While some people experience no issues with their wisdom teeth, many require removal to prevent potential complications. Regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and appropriate management of impacted wisdom teeth.
