For the most part, your teeth seem to understand the assignment. They know when to grow, when to fall out, and where they’re supposed to be in your smile. However, sometimes wisdom teeth don’t follow the rules. In fact, they often grow sideways or get stuck underneath the gums. Know as impaction, this can be extremely painful and can even put your other healthy teeth at risk. Here’s what causes this, and what you can do if it happens to you!
Why Do We Need Wisdom Teeth?
Although they’re not necessary today, it is believed that wisdom teeth showed up in the late teens of early man to replace back teeth that were prematurely worn down by primitive diets. You see, although today we have the luxury of modern cooking methods and utensils, back in ancient times, our ancestors only had their teeth, and a diet of roots, raw meat, and other tougher-textured plants. This made their back molars (the chewing teeth) wear down faster, but thankfully, their larger jaws could accommodate a third set so they could continue eating without much interruption.
However, as the years have passed, human jaws no longer need these teeth, and as a result their jaws have shrunk. Unfortunately, though, their wisdom teeth never got the memo- and they often still emerge between the ages of 17 and 26. Only now, thanks to man’s smaller jaws, these spare molars have nowhere safe to go!
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Become Impacted?
While you typically get four wisdom teeth, it is not uncommon to grow anywhere from one to six, and some people never get any at all! Unfortunately, for those who have smaller mouths or no available space for them, they can even sometimes grow sideways or become trapped in the bone or underneath the gums, causing a painful condition called impaction.
If not corrected, impacted teeth can damage the roots of nearby healthy ones. Worse still, even the ones that do grow normally can be problematic, often causing uncomfortable and unsightly crowding that can make it harder to keep them clean, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease in the process!
How Do Dentists Treat Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
If your wisdom teeth are growing sideways or are impacted, the best way to prevent them from causing further pain and complications is to have them extracted. Failing to do so can damage your healthy teeth, and can even result in cysts, bad bites, and misalignment issues that require orthodontic intervention.
There is no need to be nervous about this treatment, as it can easily prevent a variety of dental damage that could cause severe pain and problems later. You can rest assured your mouth will be numb and comfortable during your extraction, and most people feel back to their usual self within a few days. For those who are nervous or anxious, your dentist also offers sedation options to keep you feeling calm and relaxed throughout your procedure.
Remember, wisdom teeth may have been useful centuries ago, but today they’re no longer necessary. Thus, if yours are causing painful problems due to impaction, talk to your dentist today about the benefits of extracting these menacing extra molars!
About Our Practice
At Spring Dentist, Dr. Paal and Dr. Kuykendall are pleased to offer wisdom tooth extraction to help alleviate the pain and pressure of impacted molars. Don’t let these so-called smart guys wreak havoc on your healthy smile. Contact us today to schedule a consultation for wisdom tooth extraction by visiting our website or calling 281-353-9797.