The third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the final set of teeth to emerge, typically during the late teens or early twenties. Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue pulls back, exposing more of the tooth or its root. This common dental problem can lead to sensitivity and an increased risk of decay. Wisdom teeth can definitively cause this issue, as their late emergence and frequent misalignment create conditions that lead to the loss of gum tissue.
Physical Pressure and Eruption
Gum recession is directly caused by the mechanical force exerted by a poorly positioned wisdom tooth. When a third molar lacks space, it often becomes impacted, trapped beneath the gum line or jawbone. This impaction causes the tooth to grow at an angle, pushing against the root and supporting structures of the adjacent second molar.
This chronic, misdirected pressure disrupts the alignment of teeth and strains the surrounding gum tissue. Constant friction and trauma against the periodontal ligament lead to the breakdown and migration of the gingiva. When the wisdom tooth is tilted or horizontal, the pressure is damaging, causing the gum line of the second molar to recede.
A partially erupted wisdom tooth can create a localized defect in the gum tissue. This defect exposes the root surface of the neighboring tooth, initiating recession through mechanical irritation. Bone and soft tissue are destroyed as the impacted tooth attempts to force its way into the crowded space.
Hygiene Challenges and Inflammation
A second pathway to gum recession is through the poor hygiene and subsequent infection induced by wisdom teeth. Because these molars are located far back in the mouth, they are difficult to clean effectively. This poor accessibility leads to chronic plaque and tartar accumulation.
When a wisdom tooth is partially erupted, it creates a gum tissue flap, known as an operculum, over the crown. This flap forms a hard-to-reach pocket that traps food particles and bacteria, creating a breeding ground for infection. The resulting localized infection, called pericoronitis, causes inflammation and swelling in the surrounding gum tissue.
This chronic inflammation is a form of localized periodontal disease, or periodontitis. As the infection progresses, it destroys the underlying bone and soft tissue that support the teeth. This destruction causes the gum tissue to pull away, resulting in severe recession and the formation of deep periodontal pockets.
Identifying the Cause and Treatment Options
Identifying a wisdom tooth as the cause of recession requires a comprehensive dental examination. Dentists use X-rays to assess the precise position of the wisdom tooth, its relationship to the adjacent second molar, and the condition of the surrounding bone. Periodontal probing measures the depth of the gum pockets and confirms the extent of tissue loss.
When the wisdom tooth contributes to tissue loss, the primary treatment is often extraction. Removing the molar eliminates the source of both physical pressure and the chronic bacterial trap. Timely removal halts the progression of recession and prevents further destruction of bone and soft tissue around the second molar.
If the wisdom tooth is fully erupted, healthy, and recession is minor, a dentist may recommend enhanced oral hygiene and close monitoring. However, lost gum tissue cannot regenerate on its own. For moderate to severe recession, a specialist often recommends a soft tissue graft, a surgical procedure that transplants tissue to cover the exposed root surface.