You probably already know that most people have to have their wisdom teeth removed, but did you know a possible reason is that they can come in sideways? Yes, while the rest of the teeth seem to have a good sense of direction, these third molars often get “lost” on their way to the mouth.
What causes the wisdom teeth to come in sideways, and what should you do if this is the case for yourself or your child?
Sideways, Really?!
Dentists have known for decades why the wisdom teeth frequently try to erupt sideways, and the answer is simple: there isn’t enough room in the mouth for them.
Over the course of thousands of years, the human jaw has naturally shrunk. This is because easy-to-chew foods have become more available, so an “extra” set of molars (i.e. the wisdom teeth) is no longer needed.
But these teeth still exist, and the body does its best to make them come in. This leads to them becoming impacted, or trapped within the gums and jawbone. As a result, the teeth aren’t able to go up or down, so the pressure forces them in whatever direction they can move. In many cases, this is sideways, directly into your (less troublesome) molars.
Are Sideways Wisdom Teeth a Big Deal?
Left alone, wisdom teeth coming in at an odd angle can cause all sorts of problems, such as pain at the back of the mouth, and they can also push the neighboring teeth out of alignment. They may even create a flap in the gums that accumulates bacteria and food particles, drastically increasing the risk of both cavities and infection.
What Can I Do About Sideways Wisdom Teeth?
There is not much a person can do to prevent the wisdom teeth from trying to come in sideways—it’s just what the body has decided to do. That’s why the best approach is to be proactive.
This means keeping up with routine dental checkups and getting X-rays at least once a year. That way, you or your child’s dentist can keep an eye on the wisdom teeth. If it looks like they are going to come in sideways and lead to the issues touched on above, an oral surgeon can remove them before the problems manifest.
So while sideways wisdom teeth might be confounding, they are relatively easy to deal with as long as you see your dentist at least twice a year. If needed, an oral surgeon can ensure you or your child don’t have to deal with these “lost” teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Sheng Ji is a highly accomplished, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Carmichael. He provides wisdom tooth extractions and many other advanced services in the comfort of his state-of-the-art office. If you have questions about you or your child’s wisdom teeth (or if you know they need to come out), Dr. Ji’s team would be happy to speak with you. Contact our office at 916-961-1902 or click here to schedule an appointment.