Wisdom teeth, medically known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge into the mouth. They appear during late adolescence or early adulthood, between the ages of 17 and 25. Many people wonder if these late-arriving teeth can push against existing teeth, leading to crowding or misalignment in the dental arch.
Understanding Tooth Crowding and Wisdom Teeth
A common belief suggests that erupting wisdom teeth exert significant pressure, forcing other teeth out of alignment. However, scientific evidence indicates that wisdom teeth do not possess enough force to cause widespread crowding. Research shows that people without wisdom teeth can still experience tooth crowding, and conversely, some individuals with wisdom teeth experience no crowding.
Tooth crowding in adults is primarily influenced by other factors. Natural age-related tooth movement, sometimes referred to as “mesial drift,” can cause teeth to gradually shift forward over time. Jaw growth patterns, such as “late mandibular growth” which occurs in the late teens and early twenties, also play a role in tooth position. The size of an individual’s jaw relative to their teeth, genetic predispositions, and certain oral habits can further contribute to dental crowding.
While wisdom teeth may not be the primary cause of crowding, an impacted wisdom tooth can directly affect the second molar, the tooth immediately in front of it. This specific pressure can sometimes lead to localized damage, such as decay or root resorption on the adjacent tooth.
Common Problems Associated with Wisdom Teeth
Even if wisdom teeth do not cause crowding, they can lead to various other dental problems. A frequent issue is impaction, which occurs when a wisdom tooth becomes partially or fully trapped within the gums or jawbone, unable to fully erupt. This lack of complete eruption can create an environment conducive to complications.
One common problem arising from impaction is pericoronitis, an inflammation of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth. Food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped beneath a flap of gum tissue covering the tooth, leading to infection, pain, swelling, and sometimes a bad taste or odor. If left unaddressed, these infections can spread and become more severe.
Impacted wisdom teeth are also susceptible to cyst formation. Fluid-filled sacs, known as dentigerous cysts, can develop around the crown of an unerupted tooth. These cysts can grow slowly, potentially damaging adjacent teeth, surrounding bone, or nerves. A large cyst can even weaken the jawbone. Due to their position at the back of the mouth, wisdom teeth are often difficult to clean effectively. This makes them more prone to tooth decay and gum disease, regardless of impaction.
When Removal is Considered
Dentists and oral surgeons evaluate several factors when determining if wisdom teeth should be removed. Extraction is recommended when these teeth are actively causing problems or are likely to develop issues. Indicators for removal include persistent pain, recurring infections, swelling, or the presence of cysts.
Damage to adjacent teeth, such as decay or root resorption caused by an impacted wisdom tooth, also signals a need for removal. The assessment process involves a thorough clinical examination and dental X-rays to evaluate the wisdom teeth’s position, their relationship to other teeth, and proximity to important structures like nerves. While wisdom teeth can be removed at any age, the procedure is recommended between 17 and 25 years old, as the roots are not fully formed, the jawbone is less dense, and recovery tends to be faster during this period.