Did you know that between 5% and 37% of the world’s population are missing at least one wisdom tooth? Conversely, one in four of those with third molars suffer from impacted wisdom teeth. Others develop crooked wisdom teeth.
Unfortunately, both wisdom tooth impaction and crookedness can lead to dental problems.
So if you have a crooked third molar yourself, it’s vital to get it assessed to see if you need to have it taken out.
We’ll discuss what you need to know about wisdom tooth problems and solutions below, so read on.
Table of Contents
What Causes Crooked Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth can grow crooked if there’s inadequate space in the mouth. That lack of room can force them to twist and erupt sideways, leading to crookedness.
Some people also have a jaw too small it can inhibit the proper development of wisdom teeth. That causes a change in how the third molars form in the mouth, such as growing sideways.
Do Crooked Third Molars Require Extraction?
In many cases, yes, and mainly if the crooked third molars cause pain and swelling. Wisdom teeth removal makes those symptoms disappear as it addresses the root cause.
Below are some of the primary reasons dentists recommend removing crooked wisdom teeth.
Gum Injury
A tooth extraction might be necessary if the crooked wisdom tooth is causing gum injury. That can likely occur because the jagged tooth keeps forcing its way out of the gums. That damage can then put you at risk of oral infections.
Some mouth infections, especially if left untreated, can invade your bloodstream. An example is a tooth abscess; the bacteria causing it can get into your blood. That can then result in sepsis, a potentially life-threatening medical condition.
Impaired Dietary Habits
Pain and swelling in the mouth due to a crooked third molar can also worsen as you eat. The more severe the discomfort you feel, the less you’re likely to eat. That can then affect your nutrition, putting you at risk of nutritional inadequacies.
If you lack nutrients, you’re more prone to getting sick.
Increased Risk for Tooth Decay
A crooked wisdom tooth can create more spaces between it and the tooth adjacent to it. That can heighten your risk for tooth decay, as food can wedge into the gaps created by the third molar.
Unfortunately, the cavities may affect both the wisdom tooth and the tooth beside it.
Potential Development of Gum Disease
Tooth decay and infections can elevate your risks for gum disease. These dental problems are already pervasive in the U.S.; 26% of adults have untreated tooth decay. Almost half of those aged 30 and older also have gum disease.
Leaving those oral health conditions untreated can then result in preventable tooth loss.
Never Underestimate Crooked Wisdom Teeth
Please remember that crooked wisdom teeth can cause debilitating pain and even sepsis.
Those should be good enough reasons to visit a dentist if you have problems with a third molar. The sooner the oral healthcare specialist sees it, the sooner they can determine if you should get it out. If yes, have it extracted before it causes more pain and severe problems.
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