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1. Wisdom Teeth - Why are Wisdom Teeth So Problematic?

Generally Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that emerge well after the rest of the adult teeth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. For many people, the arrival of wisdom teeth causes no problems. However, for others, wisdom teeth can be extremely problematic and painful.

Wisdom Tooth Placement

Wisdom teeth grow at the very back of the mouth, behind the last set of existing molars . Since they grow so far behind the existing teeth, their growth may result in teeth being overcrowded, changing the placement of teeth located even at the front of the mouth.

Wisdom teeth also may not emerge in the correct position. They may come in sideways or pointing in an irregular direction.

Occasionally, the new teeth do not fully emerge, instead remaining underneath a layer of gum tissue. Unfortunately, these impacted teeth then become at risk for infection or abscess and gum disease.

Symptoms of Wisdom Tooth Problems

For many people, the first symptom of wisdom tooth problems is pain. Pain can result from the new teeth pushing against the gums and existing teeth and range in intensity from a dull ache to a severe, searing pain. If the tooth is emerging sideways or at an awkward angle, the gums and the tongue, or even the side of the cheeks may be uncomfortably affected by the new tooth.

Another symptom of wisdom teeth problems is swelling at the site of the emerging tooth. This can be a symptom of an impacted tooth that may also be infected or abscessed .

If the wisdom teeth are emerging but there is not enough room for them in the mouth, teeth at the front of the mouth may be moving and becoming overcrowded .

Treatment of Wisdom Teeth Problems

Treatment of wisdom tooth problems should be addressed by a visit to the dentist . During the dental examination, it will be determined whether or not the wisdom teeth should be extracted and if additional dental care is necessary. If the wisdom tooth is impacted or trapped beneath the gums, often an extraction will be recommended.

If the existing teeth have begun to shift and change positions, a recommendation may be made to an orthodontist for an evaluation for braces. An alternative to traditional metal braces may be Invisalign, which is a cosmetic form of dental realignment that uses a series of plastic mouth forms to slowly realign teeth.

Your dentist may also suggest using a toothbrush that allows you to reach fully behind molars at the back of the mouth, in addition to regular flossing. They may also suggest using a water irrigation device to assist in cleaning teeth.

Summary

Wisdom teeth can result in numerous problems as they emerge during early adulthood. Common symptoms of dental problems that are the result of wisdom teeth are changes to tooth alignment of existing teeth, pain, infections or abscess at the site of the new tooth and impaction underneath the gums. The most common treatments for wisdom tooth problems are extraction and a referral to an orthodontist for an evaluation for braces.