Wisdom teeth get their name because they typically grow in between the ages of 16 and 25, during the transition into adulthood. However, these third molars aren’t always cut and dry situations. In fact, the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons estimates that around 90% of people have at least one wisdom tooth that’s impacted. Read on to learn what causes these molars to grow in sideways and why removing impacted wisdom teeth is often necessary.
What Does Impaction Mean?
When you think of the word “impaction,” are you envisioning something stuck between or underneath an object? That’s basically what having an impacted wisdom tooth means as well. Third molars can be impacted either horizontally or vertically. If they are horizontally impacted, it means that they will eventually shift the surrounding teeth by growing into them. If they are vertically impacted, it means that they are stuck below the gumline. They can also be both!
Some of the most common signs that wisdom teeth are impacted include:
- Gum and jaw pain
- Inflamed and red gums
- Pressure and discomfort
- Infection
- Cysts
- Decay and gum disease
How Do Wisdom Teeth Become Impacted?
There are several reasons why wisdom teeth may become impacted, with most of them not being preventable. Some of these include:
- A narrow face and jaw means there is not enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to erupt.
- A nearby tooth erupted at an angle, affecting how the wisdom teeth will be able to grow in.
- You have a genetic predisposition to wisdom tooth impaction.
- Orthodontic problems, like bite misalignment or crowding, affect your wisdom tooth eruption.
Do All Impacted Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
In almost all cases, dentists will likely recommend removing impacted wisdom teeth. This is because, when left to grow sideways, they can lead to an increased risk of oral health concerns, jawbone damage, and even future orthodontic issues. However, there are unique situations in which you may not be able to remove your impacted wisdom teeth, like due to them being in risky positions (like near the sinuses), or if they are too deeply embedded in the jawbone. This is why receiving a detailed examination from your dentist is so important!
With your dentist’s collaboration, you will be able to make the best decision for your smile and health. Although wisdom tooth extraction can feel daunting, especially if you’ve never had oral surgery before, it can often save you from experiencing further pain down the road.
About the Practice
At DuPont Family Dentistry, our team is led by Dr. John Ludu and Dr. Rhenu Sharma, two highly experienced and knowledgeable dentists. Each has advanced training in a variety of treatments, allowing them to offer routine and specialized services, like simple and surgical wisdom tooth extractions. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 253-964-7000.