Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Do wisdom tooth eruption lead to crowded teeth?

Crowding of the lower front teeth is a common problem for adults, regardless of whether they have undergone orthodontic treatment during their youth. Around the time when crowding begins to develop, wisdom teeth also start to erupt. For this reason, it has often been suggested that the eruption of wisdom teeth, or third molars as they are called in professional literature, is a cause of this crowding, claiming that as wisdom teeth erupt, they push other teeth, leading to crowding.

Research conducted in 1961 by Bergstrom & Jensen found that patients who had wisdom teeth on only one side showed more crowding on that side. Later, in 1982, another study showed that removing wisdom teeth from one side reduced crowding on that side in 70% of patients compared to the side where wisdom teeth were present. These findings point to wisdom teeth removal as a potential solution for crowding.

However, other studies found no significant link between third molars and crowding. These studies compared patients who had orthodontic treatment with or without wisdom teeth and concluded that crowding occurs regardless of third molar presence and does not significantly influence tooth position changes after orthodontics.

A comprehensive review published in 2020 found only a minimal change of about 1mm in crowding after wisdom teeth removal. Therefore, it concluded that removing wisdom teeth solely to prevent crowding is not justified.

In summary, many factors contribute to crowding in adults, including diet, jaw growth, tooth shape, and orthodontic treatment techniques. To prevent or treat lower incisor crowding, a thorough examination by Dr. Daniel Kaufman is essential. Please feel free to contact us for advice regarding your wisdom teeth and crowding concerns. We will gladly assess your wisdom teeth position and discuss any risk of front teeth crowding.

Wisdom Teeth Removal and Care in Glen Iris

What Are Wisdom Teeth? Do We Need to Remove Them?
Wisdom teeth are the last molars located at the very back of the mouth. While the first molars usually erupt after age 6, wisdom teeth, the third molars, typically emerge during the late teens or early twenties. The wisdom teeth, which begin developing around the age of 6-7 and can be seen on an x-ray early on.

Since wisdom teeth erupt after all other teeth, they often face limited space to emerge, leading to what’s called impaction. This is largely due to evolutionary changes. Anthropologists believe wisdom teeth were necessary for chewing coarse foods that wore down earlier teeth. Today’s softer diet means they are often unnecessary and classified as vestigial organs. Additionally, modern jaw sizes have decreased, sometimes causing wisdom teeth to grow at angles that push against neighboring teeth or gum tissue, sometimes causing pain or infections.

When a wisdom tooth pushes against another tooth, bone, or soft tissue, it results in impaction, which can cause pain, damage, or other dental issues. To prevent complications, impacted wisdom teeth that cause symptoms are typically removed.

Why Early Evaluation Matters

It is crucial to evaluate the development and position of wisdom teeth around age 15-16 to determine if they will cause problems and to plan treatment timing. Early assessments prevent discomfort and avoid future complications. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth might not cause immediate issues but are at higher risk for decay and gum disease. That’s why Dr. Kaufman may recommend removal of impacted wisdom teeth even when symptom-free. This evaluation is included as part of our comprehensive dental exam.

Expertise and Advanced Techniques at Tooronga Family Dentistry

With extensive experience in wisdom teeth removal, Dr. Kaufman offers extractions using local anesthesia, nitrous oxide sedation and general anesthesia. To ensure precision and comfort, we utilize the latest ultrasonic surgical system, which is more efficient and less invasive than traditional drills.

For personalized advice or to discuss wisdom teeth concerns, please contact Dr. Kaufman or call Tooronga Family Dentistry.