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, they don't always emerge smoothly. Many people experience their wisdom teeth coming in sideways, a condition known as impaction. This can lead to pain, infection, and other oral health problems. Let's delve into the details of impacted wisdom teeth and what you can do about it.
What Does it Mean When Wisdom Teeth Come in Sideways?
When wisdom teeth come in sideways, it means they're not erupting correctly. Instead of emerging straight, they become impacted, meaning they're blocked by other teeth, bone, or gum tissue. This sideways growth can put pressure on neighboring teeth, causing discomfort and potential damage. The degree of impaction can vary; some teeth might be partially impacted, while others are completely trapped beneath the gum line.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Grow in Sideways?
Several factors contribute to wisdom teeth growing in sideways:
- Lack of Space: The jaw doesn't always have enough room for all 32 adult teeth to erupt properly. If there isn't sufficient space for the wisdom teeth, they're likely to become impacted, often emerging at an angle.
- Genetics: A family history of impacted wisdom teeth significantly increases your risk. Genetic predispositions influence jaw size and tooth development.
- Angle of Tooth Development: The angle at which the wisdom teeth develop within the jawbone can influence their eruption. If they develop at an angle, they're more likely to become impacted.
What are the Symptoms of Sideways Wisdom Teeth?
Symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth can vary depending on the severity of the impaction:
- Pain: This is often the most noticeable symptom, ranging from mild discomfort to severe throbbing pain.
- Swelling: The gums around the impacted tooth may swell and become tender.
- Redness and Inflammation: The gums may appear red and inflamed.
- Difficulty Opening Your Mouth: Severe impaction can restrict jaw movement.
- Bad Breath: Impacted wisdom teeth can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to bad breath (halitosis).
- Infection: An impacted wisdom tooth can become infected, leading to more severe symptoms like fever and pus.
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth: The pressure from an impacted wisdom tooth can damage nearby teeth.
How are Sideways Wisdom Teeth Diagnosed?
Your dentist will conduct a thorough oral examination to assess your wisdom teeth. They'll likely take X-rays (panoramic X-rays are commonly used) to visualize the position and development of your wisdom teeth. This allows them to determine the degree of impaction and plan the best course of treatment.
What are the Treatment Options for Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Treatment options depend on the severity of impaction and the presence or absence of symptoms.
- Monitoring: If the wisdom teeth are asymptomatic and not causing problems, your dentist may recommend monitoring them with regular checkups.
- Extraction: This is the most common treatment for impacted wisdom teeth. It involves surgically removing the teeth, either through a simple extraction (for partially impacted teeth) or a surgical extraction (for completely impacted teeth).
What Happens if Sideways Wisdom Teeth are Left Untreated?
Leaving impacted wisdom teeth untreated can lead to various complications, including:
- Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs can form around the impacted tooth's roots, potentially damaging the jawbone.
- Abscesses: Severe infections leading to pus-filled pockets around the tooth.
- Gum Disease (Periodontitis): Impacted teeth are difficult to clean, increasing the risk of gum disease.
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth: The pressure from an impacted tooth can shift the position of other teeth, leading to misalignment.
How Painful is Wisdom Teeth Removal?
The pain associated with wisdom teeth removal varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and individual pain tolerance. Your dentist will provide pain relief medication to manage discomfort.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Recovery time varies, but most people experience significant improvement within a week. Complete healing can take several weeks.
Can I Prevent My Wisdom Teeth from Coming in Sideways?
There's no guaranteed way to prevent wisdom teeth from becoming impacted. However, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups can help identify potential problems early on.
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your dentist for diagnosis and treatment of impacted wisdom teeth.
