Wisdom Tooth Problem

Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to emerge at the back four corners of your mouth, usually between the ages of seventeen to twenty-one. Wisdom teeth do not always cause problems, and it is possible for them to grow into place correctly without causing any complications. However, more often than not there is not enough room for your wisdom teeth because the other 28 teeth have already fully formed and are in place. Thus there are a number of complications that can occur along with the emerging wisdom teeth. These include:​

• Impacted wisdom teeth – Impacted wisdom teeth refer to when the third molars at the back of your mouth do not have enough room to develop or erupt (surface) normally. Your wisdom teeth become blocked or trapped (impacted) as it is emerging and pushing through the gum into your mouth (erupting). The tooth may be able to partially emerge so that the crown is visible (partially impacted), or it may be completely blocked (fully impacted).

• Misalignment – your wisdom teeth may start to emerge at an angle and come out crooked. 

• Crowding – if there is not enough room for your wisdom to emerge correctly, they may cause crowding. This is when your teeth start to become displaced and crooked because your wisdom teeth are pushing them out in order to make room to emerge. 

• Cyst – a cyst may form, which could damage the bone or roots of your teeth.

When to seek expert advice

It is advised that you should pay regular visits to your dentist, who is able to detect problems before they become more serious. You should definitely visit the Department of Dentistry at The Aga Khan University Hospital if you experience any of the symptoms associated with wisdom teeth. The sooner your dentist is able to treat symptoms, the less extensive the treatment will be.​