What Causes Small Teeth to Grow in the Upper Left Jaw?

Q: What Causes Small Teeth to Grow in the Upper Left Jaw?

Hello, sir： Thank you for your inquiry. <br>I would like to address your question and provide the following advice： Given your age, it is very likely that a third molar, commonly known as a wisdom tooth, is erupting, which may be mistaken for a small tooth. <br>I recommend consul

excuse me?

I would like to ask about a small tooth that has suddenly grown on the upper left side of my mouth, specifically the furthest back tooth.
What could be the reason for this? It doesn't hurt; what should I do about it?

A Jie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/09/30

Dr. Yuan Ziming reply Dentistry

Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry.
I would like to address your question and provide the following advice: Given your age, it is very likely that a third molar, commonly known as a wisdom tooth, is erupting, which may be mistaken for a small tooth.
I recommend consulting a dentist for an examination, and if necessary, an X-ray to clarify any concerns.
Lastly, I wish you peace and happiness!

Reply Date: 2008/09/30

More Info

The sudden appearance of a small tooth or tooth-like structure in the upper left jaw, particularly behind the molars, can be attributed to several potential causes, most commonly related to the development of wisdom teeth (third molars). At the age of 15.6, it is quite common for individuals to experience the eruption of their wisdom teeth, which typically occurs between the ages of 17 and 25. However, some individuals may begin to see signs of these teeth emerging earlier.

When a wisdom tooth starts to erupt, it may not fully break through the gum line, leading to the perception of a "small tooth" or a bump in that area. This can sometimes be mistaken for a separate tooth, especially if it is partially covered by gum tissue. The fact that you are not experiencing pain is a positive sign, as it may indicate that the tooth is not currently causing any significant issues, such as impaction or infection.

Another possibility is that the small tooth-like structure could be a supernumerary tooth, which is an extra tooth that develops in addition to the normal set of teeth. These are less common but can occur and may appear in various locations in the mouth.
If the small tooth is indeed a wisdom tooth, it is essential to monitor its development. Wisdom teeth can sometimes lead to complications, such as crowding of adjacent teeth, infection, or cyst formation if they do not have enough space to emerge properly. In some cases, they can also cause discomfort or pain as they push against other teeth or the jawbone.

Given your situation, it is highly advisable to consult with a dentist for a thorough examination. The dentist may recommend taking X-rays to assess the position of the tooth and determine whether it is indeed a wisdom tooth or something else. This imaging can help identify any potential issues, such as impaction or insufficient space for the tooth to emerge correctly.

In summary, the appearance of a small tooth in the upper left jaw could be due to the eruption of a wisdom tooth or possibly a supernumerary tooth. While the absence of pain is encouraging, it is crucial to seek professional dental advice to ensure that there are no underlying issues and to discuss the best course of action moving forward. Regular dental check-ups are essential, especially during the teenage years when significant dental changes occur.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Facial Asymmetry: Causes and Treatment Options

Hello, doctor. The left side of my jaw has inexplicably become higher for over two years. When I bite down, my left teeth make contact first, resulting in a noticeable height difference between the teeth on both sides. This has caused my left cheekbone to appear higher and my jaw...

Dr. Wu Fangcan reply Family Medicine
In my personal opinion, you may consider consulting a dentist (oral surgeon) for an evaluation. Thank you!

Understanding Gum Bumps: Causes and Treatment for Dental Concerns

Hello, I would like to ask about small bumps that have appeared on the gums of my upper left front tooth. There are quite a few of them! What could this be? Will it heal on its own? I don't chew betel nut or smoke! Occasionally, I eat a bit of spicy food. Recently, I have be...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
A small bump has appeared on the gum of the upper left incisor, which may indicate a bacterial infection in the gum. It is recommended to consult a dentist for further examination.

Understanding White Growths in the Mouth: Causes and Solutions

Hello Doctor: My husband has a small off-white growth located on the right side of his mouth, near the throat, about two fingers' width away. He often uses a toothpick to remove it, and it has a foul odor when he takes it out, but it grows back in the same spot after a while...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
A whitish growth (possibly a protrusion) has developed in the back right side of the mouth. After using a toothpick to remove it, a foul odor was present, but it reappeared in the same location after a while without causing pain. This could be an inflammatory lesion of the oral m...

Understanding Mandibular Development Issues After Orthodontic Treatment

Hello Doctor, my height is 183 cm and my weight is 63 kg. It has been over a year since I completed my orthodontic treatment, and my bite is normal. My wisdom teeth have not erupted yet. (I experienced a noticeable growth spurt from the third year of junior high to the second yea...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
1. Yes. 2. The normal occlusion of the upper and lower incisors is not directly related to the forward growth of the jaw; the growth of the jaw is primarily associated with the growth curve. 3. When the jaw grows, it grows as a whole. If viewed from the side, a short jaw without ...