Wisdom Teeth: Why Do Some People Have Problems Whereas Others Don’t?
Have you ever wondered why a friend had their wisdom teeth removed in their twenties while another friend never had any problems at all? Everyone’s body is slightly different, and the relatively straight reason for this is that some people have more space and/or a different eruption pattern for their third molars (wisdom teeth) to come in.
What Makes Wisdom Teeth Different
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to erupt, generally between the late teen years and age 25. By this point in life, the jaw has already completed much of its growing, which means there may not be much space for the wisdom teeth to erupt.
The Difference in Space
Some people are lucky enough to be born with a bigger jaw or a bigger dental arch, giving them enough room for their third molars to erupt and come in as normal as any other tooth. Whereas for some people, there is less space for the wisdom tooth to erupt, meaning that the wisdom tooth may erupt at an angle, only partially erupt, or even be trapped beneath the gum and the jaw bone.
What Is Meant By Impaction
A wisdom tooth that doesn’t have enough space to erupt in a normal and healthy manner is said to be impacted. This can occur in a number of ways. The wisdom tooth can erupt at an angle towards the neighbouring molar, it can erupt forwards or backwards and out of the mouth, or it can be trapped lying on its side inside the jaw bone. Depending on how the wisdom tooth is positioned, people will likely experience different symptoms.
Why A Partially Erupted Wisdom Tooth Can Be A Problem
When a wisdom tooth only erupts partially, it often leaves a flap of gum tissue over the exposed portion of the tooth. The flap of gum tissue can easily trap food particles and bacteria underneath it, which means that it can be challenging to clean the area thoroughly with a toothbrush. This causes inflammation of the gums surrounding the wisdom tooth, which can leave many people feeling uncomfortable and swollen when biting down.
Decay Can Occur
Even if a wisdom tooth erupts fully, it is still challenging to clean due to its position at the very back of the mouth, and so can be especially prone to cavities. Sometimes, the decay can spread to the adjacent sixth molar (the molar directly in front of the wisdom tooth), as well.
When An Infection Becomes A Concern
The inflammation of the gums surrounding a partially-erupted wisdom tooth can sometimes turn into an infection. If a person is experiencing worsening swelling, difficulty opening their mouth fully, fever along with jaw pain or swelling, or a pain that feels closer to the ear or throat, it is important that they see a dentist immediately.
Some Wisdom Teeth Are Completely Fine
Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Some wisdom teeth erupt fully and normally and sit in a comfortable, functional position inside the mouth. These wisdom teeth do not cause any problems and only need to be kept an eye on by a dentist during routine check-ups. Wisdom teeth removal is recommended in cases where the wisdom teeth are impacted and repeatedly causing pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth, or when a wisdom tooth is unlikely to erupt in a comfortable, functional position.
Why An Exam And X-Ray Are Necessary
Since wisdom teeth erupt from beneath the gum tissue and usually the jaw bone, it isn’t possible to see exactly how the wisdom teeth are coming in simply by looking at them in the mouth. An X-ray is the only reliable way to see the angle and position of the wisdom teeth in relation to the neighbouring teeth and the nerve, and is crucial in determining the best course of treatment.
Symptoms That Require Emergency Evaluation
- Pain at the back of the jaw that is persistent or worsening
- Swelling of the gum or at the side of the face
- Problems with being able to open your mouth fully
- Fever occurring in combination with jaw pain or swelling
- Unpleasant taste or smell coming from the back of the mouth
A Gentle Next Step
If you’re experiencing pain at the back of your jaw, or if you’re simply just due for a check-up on how your wisdom teeth are coming in, an examination and an X-ray can help determine the best course of treatment for you. The skilled dentists at Mumtaj Dental Care can go over your particular case and explain whether it’s a case for routine monitoring or Wisdom Tooth Surgery and Impaction Treatment.
