Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth that typically appear in your late teens or early twenties. Many people choose to have their wisdom teeth removed to avoid complications, but some might wonder, "What happens if you don't remove your wisdom teeth?" Ignoring the removal of wisdom teeth can lead to various dental problems. In this article, we’ll discuss the potential risks and consequences of not Wisdom Tooth Extraction and why it’s important to consult your dentist.
The Risks of Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
One of the most common issues with wisdom teeth is impaction, which occurs when there isn’t enough space in the mouth for the teeth to fully emerge. When wisdom teeth are impacted, they can cause discomfort and lead to various dental problems.
Potential Issues Caused by Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
- Pain: Impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on nearby teeth, causing pain and discomfort in the mouth or jaw.
- Infection: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets where bacteria can thrive, leading to infections in the surrounding gums and tissue.
- Cyst Formation: In some cases, an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to the formation of a cyst, which can damage the jawbone and teeth.
Ignoring the removal of impacted wisdom teeth can lead to ongoing pain and more severe health complications.
Damage to Surrounding Teeth:
Wisdom teeth that are left untreated can cause damage to neighboring teeth. As these teeth attempt to emerge, they may push against existing molars, leading to crowding and misalignment.
How Wisdom Teeth Can Damage Other Teeth:
- Tooth Shifting: The pressure from the wisdom teeth can cause nearby teeth to shift out of alignment, undoing the effects of previous orthodontic work such as braces.
- Decaying Teeth: The crowded space can make it difficult to properly clean teeth, leading to plaque buildup and increased risk of decay in adjacent teeth.
- Increased Wear: Wisdom teeth may put extra pressure on the surrounding teeth, causing them to wear down unevenly over time.
If you don’t remove your wisdom teeth, you risk the long-term health of your other teeth.
Increased Risk of Gum Disease:
Wisdom teeth that are impacted or partially erupted can create areas that are hard to clean, which can lead to gum disease. These hard-to-reach areas are often perfect breeding grounds for bacteria and plaque buildup, making it easier for gingivitis or more severe gum diseases to develop.
How Wisdom Teeth Can Contribute to Gum Disease:
- Plaque Buildup: Wisdom teeth can trap food particles and plaque, especially if they are partially erupted, which can cause inflammation in the surrounding gum tissue.
- Gingivitis: Gum disease can begin as gingivitis, which causes swollen and bleeding gums, and can progress into more severe conditions if left untreated.
- Periodontitis: If gum disease progresses, it can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can result in tooth loss.
Regular removal of wisdom teeth can prevent these dental health risks and keep your gums healthy.
Jaw Pain and Discomfort:
If you leave your wisdom teeth in place without removal, they may cause pressure on your jaw and lead to ongoing discomfort. Wisdom teeth can grow at awkward angles, putting pressure on the jawbone and surrounding structures.
Symptoms of Jaw Pain Due to Wisdom Teeth:
- Throbbing Pain: The discomfort may range from a dull ache to sharp, throbbing pain.
- Tender Jaw: As the teeth try to emerge, they can cause tenderness in the jaw and difficulties in opening your mouth.
- Tension: Prolonged pressure from the wisdom teeth can lead to tension in the jaw, affecting your ability to chew properly.
By not removing wisdom teeth that are causing discomfort, you may continue to experience pain and limited jaw movement.
Risk of Developing Cysts and Tumors:
When wisdom teeth remain impacted for extended periods, they can cause more than just discomfort. Impacted teeth can develop into cysts or even benign tumors, which can lead to more serious health concerns.
Potential Complications from Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
- Cyst Formation: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of cysts in the jaw, which can result in the destruction of bone and tissue.
- Tumor Growth: In rare cases, an impacted wisdom tooth can be associated with the growth of a benign tumor, which may require additional surgical procedures to remove.
- Bone Loss: The damage from cysts or tumors may lead to the loss of bone structure in the affected area.
If you delay or ignore wisdom tooth removal, these more severe complications could require extensive surgical treatment.
Difficulty in Maintaining Oral Hygiene:
Wisdom Tooth Extraction, especially when partially erupted or impacted, can make it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene. The back of the mouth can be hard to reach, and wisdom teeth can create pockets for bacteria to accumulate, leading to a higher risk of cavities and gum infections.
Challenges in Maintaining Oral Hygiene with Wisdom Teeth:
- Hard-to-Reach Areas: Wisdom teeth may obstruct your ability to properly brush or floss the back of your mouth, allowing food particles and plaque to accumulate.
- Increased Cavities: With poor cleaning, cavities can form in the wisdom teeth or in adjacent molars that may be crowded due to the pressure from the wisdom teeth.
- Gum Irritation: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can irritate the surrounding gum tissue, making it more prone to inflammation and infection.
By removing wisdom teeth, you can reduce the risk of oral hygiene issues and protect your overall dental health.
Conclusion:
Ignoring your wisdom teeth can lead to numerous dental problems, including pain, infection, tooth damage, and even more severe issues like cysts and jawbone deterioration. Although not everyone will experience issues with their wisdom teeth, it’s important to have regular dental checkups to monitor their development and condition. If your dentist recommends removing your wisdom teeth, it’s usually to prevent more serious complications in the future. Removing wisdom teeth early can help protect your oral health, avoid unnecessary pain, and ensure the longevity of your smile.