The Hidden Threat: Understanding Cavities in Your Wisdom Teeth

Cavities are a pervasive oral health concern, with statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealing that a considerable percentage of adults between 20 and 44 years old had untreated cavities from 2013 to 2016. Though largely preventable, these instances of tooth decay remain remarkably widespread. While cavities can affect any tooth surface, a less commonly considered area for decay is the wisdom tooth, also known as the third molar. The idea of wisdom tooth cavities might surprise many, primarily because a significant portion of the population doesn't even possess their wisdom teeth. Research published in the Dental Press Journal of Orthodontics indicates that approximately 59% of patients undergo wisdom tooth extraction, making it one of the most frequently performed oral surgeries in the U.S. This prevalence of extraction often stems from the troublesome nature of these late-arriving molars. Typically erupting between the ages of 17 and 21, as noted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), wisdom teeth often emerge into mouths already occupied by 28 other teeth. This lack of space frequently leads to impaction, where the wisdom teeth become trapped within the gum tissue or bone. An impacted wisdom tooth is inherently more vulnerable to developing cavities. When a tooth is partially or fully encased in the gums, food particles can easily become lodged around it. This trapped food then fosters an ideal breeding ground for decay-causing bacteria, a point emphasized by the American Dental Association. Furthermore, the posterior location of wisdom teeth makes them notoriously difficult to clean effectively with a toothbrush or floss, further contributing to their susceptibility to decay. The approach to treating a wisdom tooth cavity often differs from that of cavities in other teeth. While a standard cavity typically calls for a filling or, in severe cases, a root canal, the scenario with a wisdom tooth is often more complex. If the wisdom tooth is impacted and causing complications, extraction is the most probable recommendation from your dentist, as the NIH explains. Even if not impacted, the tooth's condition and placement might still lead to an extraction recommendation. Indeed, a report in the Journal of the American Dental Association highlights that cavities are the underlying reason for 15% of all third molar extractions. However, if wisdom teeth have fully erupted and are not embedded in the gums, it's possible for a dentist to fill and restore the tooth as they would any other. This underscores the critical importance of regular dental checkups to monitor the health of all teeth and identify any nascent cavities. For those whose wisdom teeth are not causing issues and have not been recommended for extraction, the question of whether to keep them often arises. If this is a concern, it's advisable to discuss it with your dentist during your next appointment. Your dentist might suggest leaving them alone if they are not presenting any problems, while continuing to closely monitor their condition during subsequent visits, as future issues like cavities can still emerge. Should your wisdom teeth not erupt properly, your dentist will outline the options for removal and explain the procedure. Ultimately, whether dealing with a wisdom tooth cavity or considering preventative measures, your dentist will guide you toward the best solution for maintaining optimal oral health.