Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge, typically appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. Misaligned wisdom teeth refer to a condition where the wisdom teeth do not grow straight but instead grow at an angle, emerge partially, grow sideways, or deviate from their normal position. This condition often causes pain, discomfort, and can even lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly. So, when is it necessary to extract misaligned wisdom teeth? Stay tuned for the following article from Champion Dental Clinic!

The condition of misaligned wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as the eighth molars, typically emerge as the last and innermost set of molars. However, not everyone is fortunate enough to have their wisdom teeth grow straight. Wisdom teeth can manifest in various forms, such as growing straight, at an angle, misaligned, horizontally, or even emerging partially beneath the gum.

Misalignment of wisdom teeth often occurs due to limited space for their growth. As they are the last molars to emerge, the available space for them to grow straight is often insufficient. This leads to situations where wisdom teeth may grow into other teeth, become misaligned, or even grow in the wrong direction.

Wisdom teeth usually begin to emerge when individuals reach adulthood, at a point when the jawbone has stabilized and is no longer growing. Due to the high rigidity of the bone, wisdom teeth often lack sufficient space to grow straight, resulting in a common occurrence of misalignment.

While most cases of upper jaw wisdom teeth can be easily extracted, lower jaw wisdom teeth are often more challenging to remove. Misaligned wisdom teeth not only cause pain but also impact the surrounding teeth, potentially leading to oral health issues.

Complications caused by misaligned wisdom teeth

Misaligned wisdom teeth not only bring discomfort and pain but also pose various risks to oral health. Here are common complications that may arise from misaligned wisdom teeth:

Gum inflammation

When wisdom teeth grow misaligned, the surrounding gum is prone to inflammation. Particularly, if the tooth only partially emerges, and the gum around it is deep under the gum line, severe gum inflammation can occur, causing pain and swelling. In severe cases, patients may experience fever and difficulty in mouth opening.

Tooth crowding

Insufficient space for wisdom teeth to grow straight can create pressure, pushing adjacent teeth out of their original positions. This results in a change in the alignment of teeth, creating a domino effect, leading to unevenness and aesthetic concerns in the dental arch.

Tooth decay

Whether wisdom teeth grow misaligned or not, they can increase the risk of gum inflammation and damage to the roots of adjacent teeth. This creates favorable conditions for bacterial growth, leading to tooth decay and other dental issues.

Bad breath

Misaligned wisdom teeth cause gum pain, limiting oral hygiene practices. This can lead to bad breath as bacteria and plaque create an unfavorable environment for the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

>> See more: Is pulling a tooth painful? How to take care after tooth extraction?

When should wisdom teeth be extracted?

The decision to extract or not extract wisdom teeth depends not only on the degree of misalignment but also on the structure of the teeth and the patient's overall health. A dentist will assess the degree of misalignment of the wisdom teeth and the jawbone structure to determine whether extraction is necessary. In some cases, if a wisdom tooth only partially emerges and exerts pressure on adjacent teeth, extraction can help maintain the evenness and proper alignment of the teeth.

The choice between regular extraction and surgery is also an important factor. For upper jaw wisdom teeth, regular extraction is often a straightforward procedure. On the contrary, for lower jaw wisdom teeth, surgical intervention is often required to ensure effective and safe extraction.

If a patient has underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart issues, or blood clotting disorders, the decision to extract wisdom teeth needs careful consideration. Extraction may increase the risk of infection and other problems, especially if the patient is not healthy enough to undergo the recovery process.

Guidelines for post-extraction care of misaligned wisdom teeth

Wisdom tooth extraction is an invasive process, and proper post-extraction care is essential to ensure a smooth recovery. Here are things you should and should not do after extracting misaligned wisdom teeth:

Things to do after extracting misaligned wisdom teeth

• Apply cold compress to reduce swelling: In the first few days after tooth extraction, you can apply a cold compress to the outer gum area to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Use an ice pack or a cold pack wrapped in a thin cloth and gently apply it to the gum area.
• Maintain careful oral hygiene: Follow the dentist's instructions for oral hygiene to avoid the risk of infection.
• Take medication as prescribed and attend follow-up appointments: Take medications as directed by the dentist to reduce pain and the risk of infection. Adhere to the recommended follow-up schedule for the dentist to monitor the recovery process.
• Rest and eat adequately: Enhance rest to give the body time to recover. Eat a well-balanced diet, favoring soft, liquid, and easily swallowable foods, and avoid foods that may exert strong pressure on the newly extracted area.

Things not to do after extracting misaligned wisdom teeth

• Do not self-adjust medication dosage or type without the guidance of the dentist.
• Avoid vigorous and frequent rinsing: Avoid rinsing too forcefully or too frequently, as this can damage the extraction site and slow down the healing process.

In conclusion, misaligned wisdom teeth not only cause pain but can also impact your smile and oral health. Monitoring and addressing this issue early can help maintain optimal oral health. Contact Champion Dental Clinic for the most detailed advice on your dental condition.

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