Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come in at the very back of your mouth. They typically appear during your late teens or early twenties, but some people never develop them. When these teeth come in, they often cause crowding and misalignment of the other teeth in your mouth. If your wisdom teeth don’t have room to emerge, they can become impacted and cause pain and other issues. So, what happens if you don’t get wisdom teeth removed? It depends on how problematic your wisdom teeth are and what type of symptoms you may be experiencing.The potential risks of not getting wisdom teeth removed can include pain, infection, tooth decay, and damage to adjacent teeth. If the wisdom teeth are impacted and partially or completely covered by gum tissue or bone, it can cause gum disease or cysts. Furthermore, the wisdom teeth may crowd the existing teeth, resulting in crookedness or shifting of other teeth. If left untreated, these issues can lead to more serious problems such as jawbone loss and difficulty with eating and speaking.
What Are the Benefits of Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that many people undergo to avoid potential dental health issues. Removal of the wisdom teeth can provide a variety of benefits, including improved oral health, fewer complications from overcrowding, and improved comfort.
Removing the wisdom teeth can help to prevent overcrowding in the mouth, which can lead to misalignment and crooked teeth. When wisdom teeth are not removed, they may become impacted and unable to erupt properly. This can cause pain as well as damage to adjacent teeth. By removing the wisdom teeth early on, it may be possible to avoid these issues altogether.
In addition, getting wisdom teeth removed can help improve overall oral health by preventing the onset of gum disease and tooth decay. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infection in the surrounding tissue and even abscesses that require medical intervention. Removing them early on helps minimize these risks.
Finally, removing wisdom teeth may also improve comfort levels for those who have them. Wisdom teeth often cause discomfort or pain due to their positioning in the mouth. Removing them eliminates this issue and allows for improved comfort both when eating and speaking.
Overall, wisdom tooth removal offers several benefits that can help promote better oral health and comfort levels over time. It is important to talk with your dentist about any potential risks associated with having your wisdom teeth removed before proceeding with the procedure.
How Painful Is It to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Having your wisdom teeth removed can be a painful experience. The amount of pain you experience will depend on the complexity of the procedure and how quickly the body heals. Generally, most people experience some degree of discomfort after having their wisdom teeth removed, but this pain can range from mild to severe.
The location of the wisdom teeth, whether impacted or not, and the number being removed will all affect the level of pain experienced. Impacted wisdom teeth are often more difficult to remove and require more time to heal than those that are not impacted. This could lead to more post-operative pain and swelling than expected.
In most cases, over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage any discomfort after having your wisdom teeth removed. Your dentist may also prescribe stronger medications if needed. It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions after having your wisdom teeth removed in order to minimize any discomfort during recovery.
Applying an ice pack to the affected area can also help reduce swelling and ease any pain you may be experiencing after having your wisdom teeth removed. After 24 hours, a warm compress may be used instead of an ice pack for added relief. Additionally, eating soft foods such as mashed potatoes or soup for a few days following surgery can help keep you nourished while allowing your mouth to heal properly.
Overall, having your wisdom teeth removed can be a painful experience but with proper care and follow-up instructions from your dentist it should not be too severe or long lasting.
Signs That Wisdom Teeth Should Be Removed
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to appear in the mouth and usually emerge during the late teens or early twenties. They may cause a variety of dental problems and, in some cases, need to be removed. It is important to recognize the signs that wisdom teeth should be removed so that you can take action to avoid any damage or pain they might cause.
One of the most common signs that wisdom teeth should be removed is when they become impacted, meaning they become stuck and cannot properly break through the gum line. This can lead to pain and swelling in the area and may even cause damage to adjacent teeth if left untreated. Other signs include crowding or shifting of other teeth as a result of wisdom teeth pushing against them, as well as redness or tenderness near the affected area. You may also notice bad breath or an unpleasant taste coming from your mouth due to food being trapped between your wisdom teeth and gums.
If you experience any of these signs, it is important to see your dentist right away for an evaluation and possible treatment plan. Your dentist will be able to determine whether your wisdom teeth need to be removed and explain any risks associated with this procedure. Taking care of any potential issues with your wisdom teeth early on can help you avoid more serious problems down the line.
It is important for all adults who are at risk for developing wisdom teeth issues to have regular dental visits so that any potential problems can be identified early on. Your dentist may order X-rays of your mouth in order to get a better look at what is going on with your wisdom teeth and make an informed decision about whether removal is necessary. If your dentist does recommend removing your wisdom teeth, he or she will likely discuss any risks associated with the procedure so that you can make an informed decision about how best to proceed with treatment.
How Much Does It Cost to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The cost of wisdom teeth removal can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the type of dental practice you visit. Generally, it costs between $200 and $1,000 per tooth. This can include both the surgical fees and anesthesia fees. In some cases, insurance may cover part or all of the cost of the procedure.
If you need to have all four wisdom teeth removed at once, it may cost between $600 and $3,000 depending on your location and other factors. It is important to note that some people may have complications from wisdom tooth extraction that require additional treatments such as antibiotics or stitches. These treatments can add to the overall cost of the procedure.
It is also important to consider that if you need sedation during your wisdom teeth removal procedure, this will also add to the total cost of treatment. Sedation typically ranges from $50 – $250 depending on what type of sedation is used and how long it lasts.
Overall, it is important to speak with your dentist about what type of treatment you need for your wisdom teeth removal and what types of payment options are available in order to get a better idea of how much it will cost.
What Are the Long-Term Health Risks of Not Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth. Many people have them removed because they can cause overcrowding and misalignment of other teeth, leading to an increased risk of cavities and gum disease. Additionally, if wisdom teeth are not removed, they can cause long-term health risks.
One of the primary risks associated with not getting wisdom teeth removed is the possibility of cyst formation. A cyst is a sac filled with fluid that can form around a wisdom tooth if it is impacted or partially erupted. Cysts can damage nearby bones and tooth roots, leading to nerve damage or even jaw fractures.
Infections are another common risk when wisdom teeth are not removed. If a wisdom tooth erupts only partially, it may be difficult to keep clean due to its location in the back of the mouth. This can lead to decay and gum disease, as food particles and bacteria become trapped between the tooth and neighboring gums and teeth. In rare cases, these infections can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated for too long.
Finally, leaving wisdom teeth in place can also increase your risk for developing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). This condition occurs when there is an imbalance between the muscles used for chewing and jaw joint function. Overcrowding caused by wisdom teeth can put added pressure on these muscles and joints, leading to pain and discomfort when opening or closing your mouth.
Overall, it is important to discuss your individual risks with a dentist before deciding whether or not to get your wisdom teeth removed. While leaving them in place may seem like an easier option in the short-term, it could lead to more serious issues down the road if left untreated.
What Will Happen If You Don’t Get Wisdom Teeth Removed Right Away?
If you don’t get your wisdom teeth removed right away, you may experience a variety of complications. These can range from mild discomfort to serious pain and swelling. Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to come in, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. As they come in, they can cause overcrowding of the other teeth and put pressure on them. This can lead to crooked or misaligned teeth, as well as jaw pain and headaches.
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may become infected due to trapped food particles and bacteria. This can cause severe pain and swelling, as well as infection of the surrounding tissue. If left untreated, this infection can spread to other areas of the body and cause serious complications, such as sepsis or blood poisoning.
Wisdom teeth that are not removed can also lead to cysts or tumors forming around them. These cysts or tumors can damage or destroy nearby bones or nerves, leading to further health complications if left untreated for too long.
It’s important to get your wisdom teeth removed before these issues become more severe. Your dentist will be able to assess your individual needs and recommend a course of treatment that is best for you.
It is always better to be proactive about taking care of your oral health than waiting until an issue becomes more serious before getting it treated.
Is There Any Way to Avoid Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed?
In some cases, it may be possible to reduce the risk or prevent the need for wisdom teeth removal. For instance, if your dentist identifies an issue with your wisdom teeth early on, they may recommend preventive measures such as frequent observation and regular dental cleanings. Additionally, good oral hygiene can help reduce your risk of gum disease and other infections that can lead to the need for wisdom teeth removal.
In some cases, orthodontic treatment can help create more space in your mouth so that your wisdom teeth have room to erupt properly. If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, make sure to tell your dentist so that they can monitor the development of your wisdom teeth. Similarly, if you have braces and experience pain or swelling near your molars, it is important to inform your orthodontist so that they can evaluate whether or not you need to have your wisdom teeth removed.
Finally, if you already have all four of your wisdom teeth and there are no signs of infection or overcrowding in the mouth, then it may be possible to keep them without needing any dental work done. However, this is only recommended if they are not causing any problems and regular oral care is being maintained. If any signs of infection or overcrowding appear later on then it is important to contact a dentist immediately as this could necessitate a wisdom tooth extraction.
Overall, while there may be ways to reduce the risk of needing a wisdom tooth extraction or delay its need for a few years, ultimately it is best to speak with a dentist who can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.
Conclusion
The consequences of not getting wisdom teeth removed can range from mild discomfort and pain to severe infections and other complications. While it may be tempting to leave wisdom teeth in, the potential risks should be taken into consideration before deciding against removal. An experienced oral surgeon or dentist can examine your mouth and determine the best course of action. Ultimately, the decision to remove wisdom teeth is an individual choice that should be based on a health assessment.
In most cases, removal is recommended in order to prevent future problems. For those who are nervous about undergoing surgery, there are various sedation options available to ensure a more comfortable experience. By following your medical professional’s advice and taking care of your mouth on a daily basis, you can effectively reduce the risk of complications associated with wisdom teeth.
Ultimately, it’s important to speak with a qualified oral health professional about your wisdom teeth in order to determine what steps you should take going forward. Doing so can help ensure that your mouth is healthy and free from any possible issues related to impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth.