The wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that erupt in most people’s mouths. It usually happens between the ages of 17 and 25. While most people get their wisdom teeth removed, some choose not to. But what happens if you never get your wisdom teeth removed? This article will discuss the potential risks associated with leaving your wisdom teeth in place.Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They are located at the very back of the mouth, behind the other teeth. Wisdom teeth often cause problems because they can be difficult to clean and can become impacted, meaning they may not have enough room to fully emerge from the gum line. In these cases, wisdom teeth may need to be extracted by a dentist or oral surgeon.
Possible Risks of Not Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed
Not getting wisdom teeth removed is a decision that many people face, but it is important to understand the potential risks and consequences that come with leaving these teeth in. Many people experience no issues with their wisdom teeth, but there are still a number of possible risks associated with not getting them removed.
The most common risk associated with not getting wisdom teeth removed is the development of an infection or abscess. This can occur when food and bacteria become trapped between the tooth and gum, leading to an infection. If left untreated, this infection can spread to other parts of the mouth and cause significant damage.
Another possible risk associated with not getting wisdom teeth removed is crowding in the mouth. As the wisdom teeth grow in they often push against existing teeth, causing them to shift out of place or become crooked. This can lead to difficulty chewing or speaking properly, as well as causing discomfort or pain in the jaw area.
In addition, leaving wisdom teeth in place can also put adjacent teeth at risk for decay or damage due to their close proximity. Since it can be difficult to clean around these areas due to their awkward positioning, food particles and bacteria can build up more easily leading to cavities or gum disease.
Finally, leaving wisdom teeth in place without proper care may also lead to long-term jaw pain and headaches due to TMJ disorder (temporomandibular joint disorder). This condition occurs when the joints connecting the jawbone to the skull become misaligned or inflamed due to overuse or trauma from a tooth grinding habit.
Overall, it is important for individuals considering leaving their wisdom teeth intact to understand all potential risks associated with this decision before making a final choice. Consulting with a dentist can help provide further insight into what is best for each individual’s unique situation.
Do I Need to Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge in the back of the mouth. They usually appear in your late teens and early twenties. For some people, wisdom teeth may not cause any problems and can be kept in the mouth without any further action. However, for others, wisdom teeth can become impacted (stuck) and cause pain or infection. This is when wisdom tooth extraction becomes necessary.
Signs You May Need to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
If you are experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms, it may be time to consider having your wisdom teeth removed:
• Pain or discomfort in the gums near the back of your mouth
• Swelling or redness around the area
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Crowding of other teeth due to emerging wisdom teeth
• Jaw stiffness or difficulty chewing properly
• Difficulty cleaning around the impacted area
It is important to keep an eye on emerging wisdom teeth since they can cause complications even if there are no signs or symptoms present. If you think you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed, it is best to talk with a dentist right away so they can examine your mouth and determine what treatment is necessary.
What Is the Procedure for Removing Wisdom Teeth?
The process for removing wisdom teeth varies depending on the individual case. Generally, it begins with the dentist or oral surgeon taking X-rays of the patient’s mouth to assess the position of the tooth and how much bone is surrounding it. This will help them determine whether a simple extraction or a more complicated surgical procedure is necessary.
If a simple extraction is required, local anesthesia will be used to numb the area around the tooth and make the procedure as painless as possible. Then, using special tools, the dentist will gently rock and loosen the tooth until it can be removed with forceps. Stitches may be required to close up any gaps in the gum tissue once the tooth has been extracted.
In cases where a wisdom tooth may have grown at an angle or has not erupted through the gum line, a more involved surgical procedure may be needed. In this situation, an incision is made in the gum tissue and some of the bone surrounding it to expose and remove the entire tooth. After it is removed, stitches are often used to close up any gaps in the gum tissue.
In some cases, patients may opt for sedation during their procedure if they are particularly anxious about having their wisdom teeth removed or if they need multiple teeth extracted at one time. Depending on their level of anxiety or medical conditions, they may choose from various forms of sedation including oral conscious sedation (a mild form) inhalation sedation (also called laughing gas), intravenous sedation (a stronger form), or general anesthesia (where patients are asleep during treatment).
After surgery, most patients are advised to take over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen to help ease any discomfort they may have while recovering from their procedure. Additionally, some doctors recommend eating soft foods such as yogurt or applesauce rather than solid foods for a few days after surgery to avoid irritating any stitches that were placed into your gum tissue. With proper care and follow-up visits with your dentist or oral surgeon, most people can expect a full recovery after having wisdom teeth removed without any complications.
What Are the Benefits of Getting My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Removing your wisdom teeth can bring a host of benefits. First and foremost, it can help to protect your overall oral health. Wisdom teeth often fail to fully emerge from the gums, causing overcrowding and misalignment of other teeth in the mouth. This can lead to pain, infection, and damage to other healthy teeth. Removing these teeth will reduce these risks and help keep the mouth healthy overall.
In addition, removing wisdom teeth can also improve your smile and look more aesthetically pleasing. Since wisdom teeth are often misaligned or partially exposed, they can detract from the look of your smile. Removing them will make sure all of your other teeth are aligned properly and give you a more attractive smile.
Finally, removing wisdom teeth is also helpful for preserving jawbone density and preventing jawbone degeneration over time. If wisdom teeth remain in place for too long, they can lead to bone loss in the area as well as poor oral health overall. Removing them early on can help prevent this from occurring and maintain strong jawbone density for years to come.
How Much Does It Cost to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure and one that many people have to go through at some point in their lives. The cost of this procedure can vary depending on the severity of the condition, the complexity of the removal, and the location of the dentist. On average, wisdom teeth removal can cost anywhere from $75-$800 per tooth for a simple extraction. If more complicated procedures are needed such as bone grafting or flap surgery, then costs could be much higher.
The cost will also depend on what type of anesthesia is used during the procedure. If general anesthesia is required, then this could add an additional $400-$600 to the overall bill. In some cases, your insurance provider may cover all or part of these costs. It’s important to check with your insurance provider prior to having any work done to make sure that you understand what is covered and what isn’t covered.
In addition to costs associated with wisdom teeth removal, there can also be additional costs associated with aftercare treatments such as antibiotics or other medications that may be prescribed by your dentist. These medications can range in cost from a few dollars to several hundred dollars depending on the type and strength of medication prescribed by your dentist for post-operative care.
Overall, it’s important to speak with your dentist before having any work done so that you understand all associated costs and make sure that you are comfortable with them prior to undergoing any treatment.
How Long Does It Take to Recover After Having Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Recovering from wisdom teeth removal typically takes between three and seven days. During this time, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions and take any prescribed medications as instructed. Immediately following the procedure, you may experience bleeding, swelling, and pain. You may have difficulty speaking or opening your mouth wide for a few days.
During the recovery period, it is important to rest and avoid strenuous activities that could disrupt the healing process. You should also avoid smoking or drinking through a straw as this can cause dry sockets which can lead to further complications. Eating soft foods and drinking plenty of fluids are also recommended for the first few days after the procedure.
Your dentist will likely recommend that you use an ice pack during the first 24 hours after surgery to reduce swelling. Additionally, if you have been prescribed antibiotics or pain medications, it is important that you take them as directed in order to prevent any further infection or discomfort.
Your dentist will likely want to check on your progress several days after having your wisdom teeth removed to make sure everything is healing properly. If there are any signs of infection or other complications during this follow-up appointment, additional treatments may be required.
Overall, it typically takes between three and seven days for a full recovery following wisdom teeth removal depending on individual circumstances such as age, overall health, and lifestyle habits prior to the procedure. Following your dentist’s instructions carefully during this time can help ensure a successful recovery with minimal discomfort.
What Are the Side Effects of Not Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Leaving your wisdom teeth in can lead to a number of unwanted side effects. The most common side effect is overcrowding of the teeth. As the wisdom teeth grow, they can push other teeth out of alignment, creating an overcrowded mouth. This can cause pain and discomfort as well as make it difficult to properly brush and floss your teeth.
In addition, leaving your wisdom teeth in can also increase the risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Since wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, they often trap bacteria that can cause cavities and gum inflammation. It is important to stay on top of your oral hygiene when you have wisdom teeth so that you can prevent any potential problems from occurring.
Another potential problem associated with not removing your wisdom teeth is infection. Wisdom teeth are located deep within the gums and are difficult for dentists to access during regular checkups. As a result, it can be easy for bacteria to accumulate around these areas and create an infection or abscess. If left untreated, this type of infection can spread to other areas of the body and become more serious.
Finally, leaving your wisdom teeth in place may also increase your risk for developing cysts or tumors in the jawbone or surrounding tissues. These types of growths may require surgery if left untreated, which could be painful and costly.
Overall, it is important to consider all potential side effects before deciding whether or not to remove your wisdom teeth. Talk with your dentist about any concerns you have so that you can make an informed decision about what is best for you and your oral health.
Conclusion
If you have not yet had your wisdom teeth removed, it is important to consider the potential risks and complications that can occur if they are not removed. Over time, wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding, infection, cysts, and even pain and discomfort. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide whether or not you should get your wisdom teeth removed. A consultation with an experienced dentist can help you make the best decision for your oral health.
The bottom line is that leaving wisdom teeth in place can be a risky proposition in some cases. Therefore, if you haven’t yet had your wisdom teeth removed, it is important to discuss the options with an experienced dentist and make an informed decision.