Wisdom teeth removal is an extremely common procedure. However, the cost of wisdom teeth removal is still extremely expensive which leads people to explore two other options: keeping their wisdom teeth or hoping they come out naturally. But can wisdom teeth actually fall out naturally? Wisdom teeth falling out of the mouth is an extremely unlikely event, if it happens it is usually indicative that a more serious dental issue is occurring. This article will explore the different reasons why a wisdom tooth may come out of the mouth naturally.
Why Don’t Wisdom Teeth Fall Out Naturally?
It is first important to understand why wisdom teeth don’t fall out naturally. Firstly, wisdom teeth are adult teeth, which are very securely rooted in the jawbone and not designed to fall out of the mouth. Only children’s teeth (deciduous teeth) are meant to fall out of the mouth.
In addition to this, wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in and by the time they are ready to erupt, the mouth is usually already full of other adult teeth. This means that there is often not enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to come in properly in the first place. This is known as wisdom tooth impaction. When this happens, the wisdom teeth can come in at an angle or can get stuck underneath the gum line and can never fully erupt into the mouth. If a wisdom tooth is unable to come into the mouth in the first place, it is even more unlikely to fall out of the mouth.
What Does it Mean if my Wisdom Tooth Fell Out Naturally?
Although it is very unlikely for a wisdom tooth to fall out of the mouth, there are a few scenarios in which this can happen. These scenarios assume that the wisdom tooth has fully come into the mouth and is not impacted.
Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Gum disease, aka periodontitis, is an infection of the gums which can cause the gums to become inflamed and can eventually lead to bone loss. Your bones support your teeth so if you lose bone in your jaw, your teeth can become loose. This can eventually lead to teeth falling out of the mouth, including wisdom teeth.
Injury or Trauma to the Mouth
Another reason why a wisdom tooth may fall out of the mouth is due to an injury or trauma to the mouth. This can include anything from a hard fall to being punched in the face. When an injury or trauma occurs, it can cause the teeth to fracture and become loose which can eventually lead to teeth falling out.
Tooth Decay (Dental Caries)
Tooth decay is another reason why teeth can fall out of the mouth, including wisdom teeth. It occurs when the tooth enamel (the hard outer layer of the tooth) is weakened by acid-creating bacteria, which can eventually lead to a hole in the tooth. If the decay is left untreated, it can spread to the inner layers of the tooth and can eventually lead to the tooth falling out.
Other Diseases and Risk Factors
There are a few other diseases and risk factors which can lead to teeth falling out of the mouth, including wisdom teeth. This includes:
- Diabetes, which can cause gum disease
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Arthritis (inflammation of the joints)
- Smoking
- Poor nutrition
As you can see, it is extremely unlikely for wisdom teeth to fall out naturally. If your wisdom tooth does fall out, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible to rule out any underlying dental issues.
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that can be performed by your dentist or oral surgeon. There are a few different methods of wisdom tooth removal, which will be discussed in more detail in another article. If you are scheduled for wisdom tooth removal, be sure to ask your dentist or oral surgeon any questions that you may have.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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