Impacted wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth. When these teeth become impacted, or stuck in the jawbone, it can cause a number of dental problems. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to severe damage and health complications. It is important to have them removed in order to avoid any further issues. In this article, we will discuss what happens if you don’t remove impacted wisdom teeth and how it can affect your oral health.Impacted wisdom teeth refer to the third molars in the very back of the mouth which have become stuck (impacted) and are unable to erupt through the gums. This can occur due to a lack of space in the mouth or when the teeth are curved or angled in such a way that they cannot fully emerge. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling and infection, and may require removal by a dentist or oral surgeon.
What Are the Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on the severity. The most common symptoms include pain and discomfort in the jaw, facial swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, infection, bad breath, and a bad taste in the mouth. Pain from impacted wisdom teeth can range from mild to severe. It may be constant or come and go.
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may cause no symptoms at all. But even if there are no outward signs of a problem, it is still important to get regular dental check-ups to monitor the status of your wisdom teeth. An x-ray can help to diagnose an impacted tooth before it causes any symptoms.
If an impacted wisdom tooth is not treated promptly, it can lead to further complications such as infection and damage to adjacent teeth and gums. In extreme cases, surgery may be needed to remove the affected tooth.
It is important to consult your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms or suspect that you may have an impacted wisdom tooth. Your dentist will be able to determine if your symptoms are caused by an impacted tooth and recommend the best course of treatment for your individual situation.
How Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of impacted wisdom teeth typically begins with a physical examination of the area around the tooth. The dentist or oral surgeon may take X-rays to determine the exact location and orientation of the impacted tooth and to evaluate any associated risk factors such as crowding, infection, cysts or tumors. They may also use a dental probe to check for any pockets or spaces between the tooth and surrounding tissue. Additional tests such as CT scans or MRI may be necessary in some cases.
Once the exact location and orientation of the impacted tooth has been determined, the dentist or oral surgeon will discuss treatment options with the patient. Depending on the severity of impaction and any associated risks, treatment may include extraction, orthodontic repositioning, or a combination of both. If extraction is necessary, it will typically be done under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. In cases where orthodontic repositioning is required, this procedure will likely be done in a hospital setting under general anesthesia.
Overall, diagnosing impacted wisdom teeth requires careful evaluation by an experienced dentist or oral surgeon who can determine the best course of treatment for each individual case.
Potential Complications of Not Removing Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are the third molars which grow at the back of the mouth, usually during late teens or early twenties. When these teeth are not removed, they can cause a number of problems. The most common complications associated with impacted wisdom teeth include dental crowding, infection, gum disease, and tooth decay.
When wisdom teeth come in at an angle and become impacted, they can push other teeth out of alignment and cause dental crowding. This can lead to crooked or crowded teeth, which may need to be corrected with orthodontic treatment such as braces.
Impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to infection as bacteria can more easily build up in the area around the tooth. Poor oral hygiene and inadequate brushing and flossing can make this problem worse, increasing the risk of infection even further. Symptoms of an infected wisdom tooth include pain, swelling, bad breath, and fever. If not treated promptly, this infection may spread to other parts of the mouth or even to other areas of the body.
Gum disease is another potential complication that can occur when wisdom teeth are not removed. Impacted wisdom teeth create pockets between them and the adjacent teeth where food particles can accumulate and bacteria can form plaque. When left untreated over time, this plaque will cause the gums around impacted teeth to become inflamed and infected leading to gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
Finally, tooth decay is another possible complication that may arise if impacted wisdom teeth are not removed on time. When these teeth are unable to come through properly due to overcrowding or misalignment within the mouth they often remain partially covered by gum tissue or hard enamel which makes them difficult to clean properly leading to an increased risk for cavities and decay. In some cases cavities may form on these partially erupted molars even before they have fully broken through the surface of the gum line leaving them prone to bacteria buildup from food particles in their crevices leading to further damage if left untreated for too long.
It is important for anyone with impacted wisdom teeth to visit their dentist regularly so that any potential complications related to these third molars can be identified early on before they become more severe problems requiring more intensive treatment like surgery or root canal therapy down the road.
Who Is at Risk for Developing Complications from Not Removing Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth can be a source of discomfort and cause damage to other teeth or even jawbone. It is important to seek professional advice from a dentist to determine if impacted wisdom teeth need to be removed. Some people are more at risk for developing complications from not removing impacted wisdom teeth than others. Those with smaller jaws, crowded mouth, or an abnormal jaw shape are especially vulnerable because there is less room for the wisdom teeth to grow in properly. Additionally, those who have existing dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, or poor oral hygiene are also at greater risk. People with weakened immune systems may also experience more complications than those who have healthy immune systems. Finally, people who wait too long to get their impacted wisdom teeth removed may be more likely to experience serious and potentially long-term complications.
In general, it is important for everyone to get regular dental check-ups so that a dentist can evaluate the health of their mouth and determine if any treatment is necessary for impacted wisdom teeth. Depending on the individual’s needs and the severity of the problem, removal may be recommended or other treatments could be used instead. Regardless of the situation, it is important to take all necessary precautions when it comes to dealing with impacted wisdom teeth in order to avoid any negative consequences down the road.
When Should Impacted Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Impacted wisdom teeth, which are those that are unable to fully erupt through the gum line due to a lack of space, should generally be removed as soon as possible. Leaving impacted wisdom teeth untreated can lead to a number of issues, including pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. It is important for individuals with impacted wisdom teeth to consult with an oral surgeon or dentist in order to determine whether removal is necessary.
In general, it is best to remove impacted wisdom teeth as soon as they are discovered. This is because the longer they remain impacted, the more difficult it may be for the oral surgeon or dentist to remove them. Additionally, leaving them untreated increases the risk of potential complications such as infection or damage to surrounding tissues and teeth.
The exact timing of when impacted wisdom teeth should be removed depends on several factors, including the individual’s age and condition of their mouth. Generally speaking, younger individuals have a better chance of successful removal and healing than older individuals due to their denser bone structure and better overall health. Additionally, those with healthy gums and no signs of infection may have a better chance at successful removal than those with poor oral health or existing infections.
If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. They may also lead to dental problems such as cavities or gum disease due to food particles becoming trapped around them. In some cases, cysts may form around the impacted tooth which can cause further damage if left untreated. Therefore, it is important for individuals who suspect they have an impacted wisdom tooth to seek professional advice as soon as possible in order to determine whether removal is necessary and when it should take place.
Removal of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
The process of removal of impacted wisdom teeth typically involves two stages. First, the dentist or oral surgeon will assess the position and severity of the impacted teeth. They will then discuss treatment options with the patient and decide on a course of action. The second stage is the actual removal of the teeth. Depending on the position and severity, this may involve cutting through gum tissue or bone to access and remove the teeth. Local anaesthetic is usually used to numb the area before beginning surgically removing impacted wisdom teeth, ensuring that patients remain as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure.
Once removed, any stitches that have been used to close up incisions made during surgery will dissolve over time. Aftercare instructions will be given by your dentist or oral surgeon for you to follow in order to ensure a successful recovery from wisdom tooth surgery. This may include using an antiseptic mouthwash, taking painkillers if needed, eating soft foods and avoiding hard foods such as nuts and seeds for a few days after surgery.
What Is the Recovery Time After Removal of Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
The recovery time after removal of impacted wisdom teeth depends on the individual and can vary from person to person. Generally, it is recommended that people take at least one week off work or school following the surgery. During this time, you should rest and take it easy in order to give your body time to heal. After the first week, you may be able to return to your normal activities, although some people may need more time for their mouths to fully recover.
It is important to follow the post-operative instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon so that you can have a successful recovery. This usually includes taking medications as prescribed, eating a soft diet, keeping your mouth clean by brushing and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash, and avoiding smoking or using straws for a few days following surgery. Your dentist or oral surgeon may also recommend applying an ice pack to reduce swelling and using special gauze packs for the first 24 hours after surgery.
In most cases, you should be able to return to work or school within 7-10 days after wisdom teeth removal but be sure to check with your dentist for specifics on when you can expect to feel back up and running again. It’s important not to rush into things too quickly as this could delay healing time and increase the risk of complications such as infection or dry socket. Taking it slow and steady will ensure that you make a full recovery in no time!
It is also recommended that you follow up with your dentist or oral surgeon after wisdom teeth removal in order for them to monitor your progress and ensure that everything is healing properly. This typically includes regular appointments over the course of several weeks where they will check for signs of infection as well as make sure that any stitches are dissolving properly. Depending on how complex the procedure was, they may also want you to come in for x-rays during these visits in order to ensure that there are no problems with healing or any remaining fragments of teeth left behind from the surgery.
Conclusion
If you don’t remove impacted wisdom teeth, you may experience a multitude of complications that can range from mild to severe. These can include gum disease, tooth decay, cysts and tumors, infection, pain and damage to adjacent teeth. It’s important to visit your dentist if you think you might have impacted wisdom teeth so they can properly diagnose and recommend treatment. Removing impacted wisdom teeth is the best way to prevent any of these issues from occurring.
It’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s situation is different. While some people may need to have their impacted wisdom teeth removed, others may not have any need for removal or treatment at all. Discussing the situation with your dentist is the best way to ensure that you make an informed decision about how to proceed with your impacted wisdom teeth.