Having your wisdom teeth removed is a common practice for many people in order to avoid potential dental problems. However, if you choose not to have them removed, there can be some serious consequences that you should be aware of. In this article, we’ll discuss what happens if you don’t take out your wisdom teeth and how to manage potential complications.Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They are called wisdom teeth because it is thought that they appear at a more mature age, when a person is supposedly wiser. In some cases, wisdom teeth may not grow in at all, while in others, they may grow in crooked or only partially emerge from the gums. When this happens, wisdom teeth can cause pain and other complications and may need to be removed.
Reasons to Remove Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth often cause discomfort and can lead to more serious issues. For this reason, many people consider having them removed. Here are some of the most common reasons why wisdom teeth should be removed:
1. Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth are those that become trapped within the gum tissue or jawbone, and are unable to erupt fully. This can cause infection, pain, and swelling in the area, as well as damage to adjacent teeth. Additionally, the impacted tooth can become a source of bacteria that can spread throughout your mouth.
2. Crowding: When wisdom teeth emerge, they often crowd nearby molars and other teeth in your mouth. This crowding can push other teeth out of alignment and cause malocclusion (misalignment of the bite). If left untreated, this malocclusion can lead to further dental problems down the road.
3. Cysts: Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form around impacted wisdom teeth. If left untreated, these cysts can damage surrounding bone and tissue, leading to more serious problems such as tooth decay or even jawbone erosion.
4. Pain: Wisdom teeth often cause pain when they emerge from the gums due to their position in the back of your mouth and lack of space for them to erupt properly. This pain may be mild or severe depending on how impacted the tooth is and whether it has caused any other complications such as infection or cysts.
Removing your wisdom teeth is a relatively straightforward procedure that is typically done under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Your dentist will be able to provide you with more information about why removing your wisdom teeth may be necessary and how the procedure is performed.
Possible Risks of Not Removing Wisdom Teeth
The decision to remove wisdom teeth is one that should not be taken lightly. Leaving them in can cause a variety of problems, including pain, infection, and damage to other teeth. In some cases, the wisdom teeth may become impacted and become stuck in the jawbone or gums. It is important to discuss the potential risks with a dentist before making a decision on whether or not to have them removed.
Wisdom teeth that are left in can cause crowding of other existing teeth and create misalignment of the jaw which can lead to difficulty in chewing and speaking. It can also cause periodontal disease, which is an infection of the gums that can lead to tooth decay and loss. In extreme cases, it may even lead to cysts or tumors growing around the impacted wisdom teeth.
Impacted wisdom teeth may also be prone to becoming infected due to their location in the back of the mouth where food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped. If left untreated, this infection could spread to other parts of the body and cause serious complications.
Leaving wisdom teeth in place also increases the risk of developing cavities around them due to their location at the back of the mouth where it is difficult for a toothbrush or floss to reach. This could eventually lead to severe tooth decay and gum disease if not treated promptly.
In summary, leaving wisdom teeth in your mouth carries many risks that should not be taken lightly. These include pain, infection, damage to other teeth, misalignment of the jaw, periodontal disease, cysts or tumors growth as well as cavities and gum disease. It is important for individuals who are considering leaving their wisdom teeth intact to talk with their dentist before making any decisions so they can weigh out all possible risks involved.
Signs and Symptoms of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Impacted wisdom teeth are third molars that have not fully erupted into the mouth. These teeth can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain. Common signs and symptoms of an impacted wisdom tooth include swelling in the gums, jaw pain, tenderness, redness or bleeding of the gums, and bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. The impacted tooth may also cause infection in the surrounding area, leading to further swelling and pain. Other signs and symptoms may include difficulty opening the mouth fully, jaw stiffness, difficulty chewing or biting food, and headaches.
If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to more serious issues such as cysts or tumors forming around the impacted tooth. It is important to visit your dentist if you experience any of these signs or symptoms to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Signs That You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
Having your wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure, but it is important to know when it’s necessary. Wisdom teeth can cause several issues if they come in incorrectly or remain impacted. Here are some signs that you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed:
Pain in the back of your mouth – If you experience pain in the back of your mouth, it could be a sign that your wisdom teeth are coming in incorrectly and need to be removed.
Jaw stiffness or difficulty opening the mouth – Impacted wisdom teeth can cause jaw stiffness and difficulty opening the mouth. If you find it difficult to open your mouth wide, consult a dentist as soon as possible.
Swelling or redness in the gums – Swelling or redness around the gum line could indicate that your wisdom teeth are trying to come in and may need to be removed.
Persistent bad breath – Persistent bad breath could be a sign of an infection due to impacted wisdom teeth, so schedule an appointment with your dentist if this is happening.
Cavities on other molars – If you have cavities on other molars, wisdom teeth may be pushing them out of alignment and should be removed as soon as possible.
If you experience any of these signs that might indicate an issue with your wisdom teeth, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a dentist right away for further evaluation. Doing so can help prevent any further complications such as infection or damage to other teeth.
What to Expect After Having Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
Having your wisdom teeth removed can be a daunting experience. It is important to know what to expect after the procedure so that you can prepare for it and take steps to ensure a speedy recovery. Here are some of the most common things you can expect after having your wisdom teeth removed:
Pain: After having your wisdom teeth removed, it is normal to experience some pain and discomfort. This pain may be localized around the extraction site, or it may be more generalized throughout your mouth and jaw. Your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe medication to help manage your pain.
Swelling: Swelling is also common after having your wisdom teeth removed. It is important to apply cold compresses to the area in order to reduce swelling and help with pain relief.
Bleeding: After having your wisdom teeth removed, some bleeding is normal. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide instructions on how to manage post-operative bleeding, such as applying pressure with gauze or gently rinsing the area with warm salt water.
Dietary Restrictions: After having your wisdom teeth removed, it is important to follow any dietary restrictions that were provided by your dentist or oral surgeon. This may include avoiding solid foods and sticking to a soft food diet for several days while healing takes place.
Follow-up Appointments: It is important to attend all follow-up appointments with your dentist or oral surgeon in order to monitor healing and make sure there are no complications developing after the procedure.
By understanding what to expect after having your wisdom teeth removed, you can take steps to ensure a speedy recovery and avoid any potential complications from developing during the healing process.
Potential Complications from Not Having Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
It is generally recommended that wisdom teeth should be extracted if they are impacted, misaligned, or causing pain and discomfort. While there may not be any immediate consequences of not having wisdom teeth removed, leaving them in can lead to potential complications such as: infection, damage to adjacent teeth, cysts or tumors forming around the un-erupted wisdom tooth, and gum disease.
Infection is one of the most common risks of leaving wisdom teeth in. This is because it can be difficult for a person to properly clean the area around their wisdom teeth with brushing and flossing alone. When food particles become trapped in this area, they can lead to plaque buildup and bacteria growth which can result in an infection.
Damage to adjacent teeth is another potential complication of not having your wisdom teeth removed. Impacted wisdom teeth often push against other nearby molars, which can cause them to shift out of place or even lead to tooth decay.
Cysts or tumors may also form around an un-erupted wisdom tooth when it becomes trapped beneath the jaw bone and gum tissue. If left untreated for too long, these cysts can cause serious damage to the surrounding tissue and even spread into other areas of the mouth.
Finally, gum disease is another risk associated with leaving your wisdom teeth in. When food particles become trapped around the gumline due to an impacted wisdom tooth, bacteria growth is more likely to occur which can increase a person’s risk for developing periodontal disease.
Overall, it’s important for people with impacted or misaligned wisdom teeth to seek professional care from an oral surgeon as soon as possible in order to avoid any potential complications that may arise from leaving them in their mouths.
Alternatives to Removing Your Wisdom Teeth
There are many alternatives to the traditional wisdom teeth removal procedure. Depending on the severity of the condition, some may be more feasible than others. In some cases, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend leaving the teeth in place and managing them with regular cleanings and check-ups. In other cases, they may suggest crowns or other treatments to preserve the teeth.
If your wisdom teeth have already erupted, they may be able to be treated with orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners. This can help to realign the teeth and create a better fit in your mouth. It may also be possible to use bonding or sealants to reduce the risk of cavities and infection in partially impacted wisdom teeth.
In more serious cases, extraction may still be necessary even if alternative treatments are available. However, it is important to consider all options before making a decision about removing wisdom teeth. Your dentist will be able to guide you through this process and advise you on which treatment is best for you based on your individual needs and circumstances.
Additionally, there are a few lifestyle changes you can make that can help reduce discomfort associated with impacted wisdom teeth. Keeping your mouth clean by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day will help reduce bacteria build-up that can lead to infection or decay around impacted teeth. Eating soft foods and avoiding hard foods like crunchy snacks will also help keep your mouth healthy while reducing pain from chewing.
Overall, it is important to discuss all available options with your dentist before making any decisions about removing wisdom teeth or using alternative treatments. By carefully considering all of these options, you can ensure that you make an informed decision that is right for you and your unique situation.
Conclusion
If you decide not to remove your wisdom teeth, you may be running the risk of serious complications. These can include infection, cysts, and even damage to other teeth or roots. In some cases, wisdom teeth can become impacted and cause pain and discomfort. While it can sometimes be possible to manage the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth, it is best to have them removed as soon as possible.
Ultimately, the decision to remove your wisdom teeth or not should be made in consultation with a dental professional who can determine if the removal is necessary for your specific situation. It is important that you keep up with regular dental check-ups so that any potential issues with your wisdom teeth can be addressed before they become more serious.
In conclusion, it is important to consider removing your wisdom teeth if they are causing any problems or are likely to cause problems in the future. Your dentist will be able to advise on the best course of action for you depending on your individual needs and circumstances.