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Why is there a hole where my wisdom tooth is growing?

Published in Wisdom Teeth 2 mins read

The hole you're experiencing where your wisdom tooth is growing is usually due to a lack of space in your jaw.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Insufficient Space: Wisdom teeth (third molars) typically erupt much later than other teeth. By this time, many people simply don't have enough room in their jaws to accommodate them fully.

  • Partial Eruption: Because of the lack of space, wisdom teeth often only partially erupt, meaning they don't fully break through the gum line. This partial eruption leaves a flap of gum tissue covering part of the tooth.

  • Gap Creation: This flap of gum tissue creates a pocket or "hole" around the erupting wisdom tooth. This hole is susceptible to trapping food particles and bacteria.

  • Pericoronitis: This condition (inflammation of the soft tissues surrounding the crown of a partially erupted tooth) is a common cause of pain and swelling associated with erupting wisdom teeth and is often associated with the "hole." The trapped food and bacteria in the gap can cause infection.

In summary, the "hole" is essentially the space created because the wisdom tooth doesn't have enough room to fully erupt and is partially covered by a flap of gum tissue. This situation increases the risk of infection and discomfort. It's best to consult a dentist to assess the situation and determine the best course of action, which could range from improved oral hygiene to extraction.

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