Wisdom teeth are often thought of as a rite of passage, but the truth is, not everyone grows them. For those that do, however, the presence of their wisdom teeth (or third molars) can lead to a host of dental problems, including wisdom tooth impaction, tooth misalignment, severe discomfort, and tooth damage, to name just a few. If you are faced with a wisdom tooth emergency, then visit your dentist as soon as possible to relieve the pain and prevent more extensive issues.
When Wisdom Teeth Go Astray
Your third set of molars is the last group of adult teeth to develop. By the time they do (usually between the ages of 17 and 25), here is often little room left on the dental ridges to accommodate them. This can lead to the molars growing at an angle and jutting up against existing molars, forcing them out of alignment as the wisdom teeth continue to try to erupt.
Fortunately for many patients, wisdom tooth impaction isn’t guaranteed, and many patients develop their third molars without any complications at all. However, many patients still choose to remove their wisdom teeth preemptively to avoid the potential for problems in the future.
Your Options
The most effective option for a wisdom tooth emergency is to extract the wisdom teeth as soon as possible. If the rest of your teeth have already suffered damage, then you might also require restorative treatment to repair them and restore your bite’s harmony. To find out more about your options, or to determine if you should ask about preemptive wisdom tooth extraction, schedule a visit as soon as possible with your dentist.