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Most people have three molar teeth. The third molar is known as the wisdom teeth and it may not even emerge from the gum, which leads to a condition called impacted wisdom teeth. There are rare cases when people have a forth or even fifth molar tooth along their jaw structure. It happens very rarely, and it is often referred to as the supernumerary teeth (or hyperdontia). In this article, we have a look at several signs and symptoms that may indicate that you have a fourth or fifth molar tooth. We also look at how these extra teeth are treated. Don’t forget however that it is extremely rare for people to have a fourth molar tooth so the unusual swelling you feel at the back of the mouth may simply be something else.
#1 Swelling at the back of teeth
If you have some gum swelling at the very back of the mouth where the molar teeth are located, there is the slight chance that you may have a fourth molar tooth. As you get older, the fourth molar teeth may try and emerge and thus cause some complications. Usually, gum swelling indicates that you are affected by a bacterial infection so if you haven’t been doing so already, make sure you maintain a good dental habit every day.
#2 Sharp pains around molar teeth
If you have a fourth molar tooth that is trying to emerge from the gum, you may also experience sharp pains at the back of your mouth whenever you bite into something. It really depends on the alignment of the fourth molar teeth.
Regardless of whether you have one or not, it is important that you have your mouth checked by an orthodontist as soon as possible. Only 1-4% of people are affected by hyperdontia so it may be the case that you are affected by another dental condition. If you do have an extra molar tooth, you will want it treated soon because it could prevent the adjacent tooth from emerging properly. To be sure, you will need to take an x-ray taken. Since it happens so rarely, each patient will have to be treated on an individual basis.