Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the back of your mouth. These teeth typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. For many people, wisdom teeth can grow in without issue, but for others, they may grow in crooked. Crooked wisdom teeth can lead to a variety of dental problems, including pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth. Understanding the potential risks of crooked wisdom teeth is important in order to prevent complications and ensure your oral health is maintained. In this article, we will explore what happens if wisdom teeth grow in crooked and how to address the issue.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge in the mouth. They are often called third molars because they are located at the farthest end of the upper and lower jaws. These teeth usually begin to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, although they may come in earlier or later for some individuals. Wisdom teeth have historically played an important role in our ancestors’ diets, helping them to chew tough, raw plant materials. However, as human diets have evolved, the need for wisdom teeth has decreased.
For some people, wisdom teeth can come in without causing any issues. However, many people experience problems due to their positioning or the amount of space available in the mouth. In these cases, wisdom teeth may grow in crooked, partially erupted, or impacted.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Grow In Crooked?
Wisdom teeth grow in crooked for a variety of reasons, with the main factor being a lack of space in the mouth. As modern human jaws have evolved, they have become smaller, often lacking the necessary room for wisdom teeth to emerge properly. This lack of space can cause wisdom teeth to grow in at an angle, push against other teeth, or become impacted below the gum line.
Other factors that can contribute to crooked wisdom teeth include genetics and the size of the tooth. Some people may inherit a jaw structure that makes it more likely for their wisdom teeth to come in crooked. Additionally, the shape and size of the wisdom teeth themselves can make it harder for them to align correctly.
What Are the Risks of Crooked Wisdom Teeth?
Crooked wisdom teeth can lead to a number of dental problems. These problems can range from mild discomfort to more severe issues that require intervention. Below are some of the most common risks associated with crooked wisdom teeth.
Pain and Discomfort
One of the first signs that wisdom teeth may be growing in crooked is pain. As these teeth attempt to emerge, they may put pressure on the surrounding gums, causing pain, soreness, or swelling. In some cases, crooked wisdom teeth may push against neighboring teeth, leading to discomfort in the jaw.
The pain can be intermittent and worsen as the teeth try to emerge. Some people experience pain while chewing, talking, or opening their mouths. If left untreated, this discomfort can become persistent and more difficult to manage.
Gum Infection
When wisdom teeth grow in crooked or become impacted, they can create pockets of space between the tooth and the gum tissue. These pockets can trap food particles, bacteria, and plaque, leading to infections such as pericoronitis. Pericoronitis is an infection of the gum tissue that surrounds a partially erupted or crooked wisdom tooth.
Symptoms of pericoronitis include swelling, redness, pain, and difficulty opening the mouth. The infection can also cause a bad taste in the mouth and bad breath. If left untreated, the infection can spread, causing more severe complications such as abscess formation or bone loss.
Tooth Damage
Crooked wisdom teeth can also cause damage to the surrounding teeth. When wisdom teeth grow at an angle or become impacted, they can put pressure on neighboring teeth, causing them to shift or become misaligned. This pressure can lead to crowding and damage to the structure of the adjacent teeth.
In some cases, crooked wisdom teeth can cause cavities in neighboring teeth. Since the space around impacted or crooked wisdom teeth is difficult to clean, plaque and bacteria can accumulate, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Cyst Formation
Another risk associated with crooked wisdom teeth is the formation of cysts. When a wisdom tooth is impacted or growing at an angle, a fluid-filled sac called a cyst can form around the tooth. Cysts can cause swelling, pain, and discomfort. If left untreated, cysts can damage the jawbone and surrounding teeth.
In some cases, cysts may need to be surgically removed along with the impacted wisdom tooth. If a cyst is left untreated for an extended period of time, it can lead to more significant damage to the jawbone.
Difficulty in Cleaning and Maintaining Oral Hygiene
One of the biggest challenges with crooked wisdom teeth is keeping the area clean. When wisdom teeth grow in crooked or are partially erupted, they are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and floss. This makes it harder to properly clean the area around the wisdom teeth, leading to the buildup of plaque and bacteria. Poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, and infections.
In many cases, people with crooked wisdom teeth struggle to maintain proper oral hygiene, which can lead to more severe dental problems over time.
Misalignment of Other Teeth
Crooked wisdom teeth can also contribute to misalignment in the rest of the teeth. As the wisdom teeth try to emerge, they may push against adjacent teeth, causing them to shift out of place. This can result in crowding or misalignment, which may require orthodontic treatment, such as braces, to correct.
Even if a person does not have misalignment issues from crooked wisdom teeth at first, the pressure from the impacted or crooked teeth can cause problems with tooth alignment later in life.
How Are Crooked Wisdom Teeth Diagnosed?
If you suspect that your wisdom teeth are growing in crooked, it is important to consult a dentist for a professional evaluation. During your appointment, the dentist will examine your mouth and may take X-rays to assess the positioning of your wisdom teeth. X-rays allow the dentist to see whether the wisdom teeth are impacted, partially erupted, or growing at an angle.
Based on the X-ray results and the symptoms you are experiencing, the dentist will determine the best course of action for managing your crooked wisdom teeth. If the teeth are causing pain or other complications, the dentist may recommend removal.
How Are Crooked Wisdom Teeth Treated?
Treatment for crooked wisdom teeth depends on the severity of the issue. In some cases, no treatment is necessary if the wisdom teeth are not causing any problems. However, if the wisdom teeth are impacted, causing pain, or leading to other complications, removal may be the best option.
Monitoring the Teeth
If the wisdom teeth are not causing significant problems, the dentist may choose to monitor them over time. In some cases, the wisdom teeth may emerge without causing any long-term issues, and no intervention may be necessary. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the situation and ensure the wisdom teeth do not develop further complications.
Removal of Wisdom Teeth
If the wisdom teeth are causing pain, infections, or other complications, removal may be the best option. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that is typically performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. The procedure involves removing the impacted or crooked wisdom teeth to prevent further issues.
The process of removing wisdom teeth generally involves numbing the area with a local anesthetic or using sedation. In some cases, the teeth may need to be extracted in pieces if they are impacted or difficult to remove. Recovery after wisdom teeth removal can take several days, and patients are usually advised to follow aftercare instructions to minimize the risk of infection and promote healing.
Orthodontic Treatment
In cases where crooked wisdom teeth have caused significant misalignment in the other teeth, orthodontic treatment may be recommended. Braces or other orthodontic appliances can help realign the teeth and correct bite issues caused by the pressure from the wisdom teeth. Depending on the severity of the misalignment, orthodontic treatment may take several months to complete.
Conclusion
Crooked wisdom teeth can lead to a variety of dental problems, including pain, infections, tooth damage, cysts, and misalignment. While some people may experience little to no issues with their wisdom teeth, others may face significant complications that require treatment. If you suspect your wisdom teeth are growing in crooked, it is important to consult with a dentist for an evaluation. Regular dental check-ups, X-rays, and professional assessments are essential to monitor the condition of your wisdom teeth and determine the best course of action. By addressing crooked wisdom teeth early, you can avoid more serious complications and maintain your oral health.
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