Why Are My Wisdom Teeth Growing in Sideways?

The emergence of wisdom teeth has always been somewhat puzzling; as useful as our teeth are, it’s quite odd to have some of them cause so much distress upon their arrival! But is it normal for these teeth to emerge horizontally, rather than vertically like your others? Keep reading to learn a little more about wisdom teeth and why they can sometimes grow horizontally, along with how the issue is resolved.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also sometimes referred to as the third molars, are the last permanent teeth to erupt in our mouths. They often make their appearance between the ages of 15 to 25 for most patients and are more-or-less the same as the other molars.

These days, wisdom teeth are considered more trouble than they’re worth since patients often don’t have room for them in their mouths. However, our ancestors desperately needed these teeth, due to their coarser diets that contained more nuts, seeds, and tough cuts of meat, as well as the lack of preparation that went into cooking. The extra molars allowed them to thoroughly chew and digest their food.

Why Are My Wisdom Teeth Horizontal?

As you probably know, not everyone is born with a perfect smile. Sometimes teeth are stubborn and do as they please—and this can definitely be said about wisdom teeth. Spacing issues between other teeth can cause the wisdom teeth to become impacted, which will make them grow horizontally, rather than vertically. If this happens, there’s simply no way for them to grow properly, because they won’t have enough space to erupt, and they will remain horizontal.

The primary reason for horizontal wisdom teeth is the evolutionary reduction in jaw size among humans, which results in insufficient space for these teeth and turns them sideways. Needless to say, horizontal wisdom teeth can lead to all sorts of problems including damage to the surrounding teeth, potential periodontal problems, jaw muscle strain, and of course, a great deal of discomfort.

Do Horizontal Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

The vast majority of patients end up needing their wisdom teeth removed whether they’re horizontal or not. This often happens during their teenage years or early adulthood; a dentist will typically recommend having them extracted if they pose any sort of threat to your oral wellness. Some patients are lucky and have perfectly healthy wisdom teeth that don’t cause problems, but for most, the measure is preventive and has the future in mind.

If you have concerns about your wisdom teeth, you shouldn’t hesitate to speak with your dentist. Whether they’re horizontal or not, you don’t want them to cause issues that detract from the health and beauty of your grin!

About the Practice

Here at Elite Oral Surgery Associates, we’ve helped countless patients in the Worcester, MA community achieve radiantly beautiful and healthy smiles. We’re thrilled to offer a wide range of services, including wisdom tooth extractions. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment, feel free to visit us online or give us a call today for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (774) 220-7355.