Yes, wisdom teeth can erupt at an angle and push into the gum or the tooth beside them, which can be described as growing "out the side" relative to a normal, straight eruption path.
While some wisdom teeth erupt (emerge through the gum) without causing any problems, the reality is often more complex. Instead of growing straight up like other molars, wisdom teeth sometimes come through at an angle and push into the gum or the tooth beside them. This angled growth means they are not following the typical vertical path through the center of the gum surface, and their sideways pressure into the gum or adjacent tooth is consistent with the idea of growing "out the side" relative to the jawbone and other teeth.
Understanding Angled Wisdom Tooth Growth
When a wisdom tooth doesn't have enough space to erupt properly, it can become "impacted." Impacted wisdom teeth can grow in various directions:
- Angled towards the adjacent molar: This is the most common type of impaction. The wisdom tooth pushes into the root of the second molar.
- Angled towards the back of the mouth: Growing away from the other teeth.
- Angled sideways: Lying horizontally within the jawbone.
- Growing straight up or down but trapped: Stuck below the gum line or jawbone.
The reference specifically mentions that wisdom teeth can come through at an angle and push into the gum or the tooth beside them. This angled emergence and the resulting pressure into the surrounding tissues or neighboring tooth illustrate how their growth deviates from the standard vertical eruption. It's this sideways pressure and angled path that people might refer to when asking if they can grow "out the side" of the gum, rather than emerging cleanly through the top surface.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Grow Like This?
Several factors can contribute to wisdom teeth growing at an angle or becoming impacted:
- Lack of Space: The jaw may not be large enough to accommodate the wisdom teeth.
- Genetics: The size and shape of your jaw are inherited.
- Positioning: The tooth bud's starting position can influence the eruption path.
Potential Issues from Angled Growth
An angled or impacted wisdom tooth pushing into the gum or adjacent tooth can lead to various problems:
- Pain and swelling in the gum
- Damage to the adjacent tooth
- Increased risk of cavities
- Gum infection (pericoronitis)
- Development of cysts or tumors in rare cases
| Type of Growth | Description | Reference Connection? |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Eruption | Grows straight up/down, emerges cleanly | Mentioned as possible |
| Angled Eruption | Comes through at an angle | YES |
| Pushing into Gum | Pressure/growth into the gum tissue | YES |
| Pushing into Tooth | Pressure/growth into the adjacent tooth | YES |
| Horizontal Impaction | Lying completely sideways | Implied by "at an angle" |
If you experience pain, swelling, or discomfort related to your wisdom teeth, it's essential to see a dentist. They can assess the position of your wisdom teeth through X-rays and determine the best course of action, which may include monitoring, cleaning, or extraction.
