When wisdom teeth don’t get removed, they can cause a variety of dental issues. They may not always cause problems, but when they do, it’s important to see a dentist right away. Without removal, wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding of the other teeth in the mouth, misalignment of the jaw, and damage to other teeth that are already present. Wisdom teeth can also be difficult to clean and may increase the risk of developing gum disease or cavities. In some cases, they can even become impacted or infected. Overall, leaving wisdom teeth in the mouth carries a number of risks and should generally be avoided.Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They are the last permanent teeth to come in, and they often cause dental problems because there is not enough room in the mouth for them. Wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they cannot fully emerge through the gums, or they can grow outward and push against other teeth. They may also develop infections or cavities, leading to discomfort and pain.
Reasons For Extracting Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to emerge in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. Although some people may have enough room in their mouths for them to grow in properly, wisdom teeth often need to be extracted due to lack of space. The crowding caused by these teeth can lead to a number of oral health problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease and misalignment of other teeth. It is therefore important to consider having your wisdom teeth extracted if they are causing any issues.
Another common reason for extracting wisdom teeth is infection or inflammation. This is caused when bacteria accumulate around the wisdom tooth and cause an infection or abscess. This can cause severe pain and swelling which can spread throughout the jaw and face, so it is best to get it treated as soon as possible. If left untreated, this infection could spread to other areas of the body and cause further complications.
Impaction is another reason why extraction is necessary for wisdom teeth. When a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, it means that it has become stuck against another tooth or bone in the jaw, preventing it from erupting fully into your mouth. Impacted wisdom teeth can be painful and can trap food particles around them, leading to cavities or gum disease. They can also put pressure on other teeth causing them to become crooked or misaligned over time.
If you’re suffering from any dental issues related to your wisdom teeth, talk to your dentist about having them extracted as soon as possible. An experienced dentist will be able to assess your situation and provide you with an appropriate treatment plan that will help keep your mouth healthy and free from any unwanted complications in the future.
Potential Complications If Wisdom Teeth Are Not Removed
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that usually emerge during late teenage years or early twenties. It is important to have them removed if they are impacted, crowded, or not fully erupted. If wisdom teeth remain in the mouth, it can lead to a number of potential complications such as tooth decay, infection, gum disease, and crowding of other teeth.
Tooth decay is one of the most common problems associated with wisdom teeth that have not been extracted. When wisdom teeth do not fully erupt, food particles and bacteria accumulate around the area leading to tooth decay. This can spread to adjacent teeth causing severe dental issues and eventually lead to tooth loss.
Infection is another potential complication that can occur when wisdom teeth are not removed. As these molars push through the gums, they can cause an opening between the gums and surrounding tissue allowing bacteria to enter and cause infection. This can result in swelling and extreme discomfort around the jaw area.
Gum disease may also develop when wisdom teeth are not removed due to plaque buildup around these areas. Tissue build up in impacted areas may worsen gum disease resulting in painful symptoms such as redness, swelling, tenderness, and bleeding gums.
The presence of impacted wisdom teeth can also cause crowding of other teeth which can lead to misalignment and orthodontic problems in the future. When this happens, further treatment may be required such as braces or other corrective measures in order to address the misalignment issue.
It is important to have wisdom teeth evaluated by a dentist every 6 months or so in order to monitor their development and prevent any potential complications from arising if they remain in the mouth for too long. Early extraction is strongly recommended if there is evidence that any of these potential complications will develop if these molars are not removed promptly.
What To Expect After Wisdom Teeth Removal
After wisdom tooth extraction surgery, some common side effects can occur. These can include swelling of the gums, bruising, and soreness. Pain medication may be prescribed to help with the pain. It’s also important to keep your mouth clean and free of food particles by brushing and flossing regularly. Follow-up visits with your dentist may be needed to monitor healing progress.
It is normal to experience some bleeding after the procedure, but it should subside within the first 24 hours. You should avoid drinking from a straw or spitting vigorously for several days after the surgery as this can cause irritation or loosen the clot that forms over the wound and delay healing.
Your dentist may also recommend taking antibiotics to reduce your risk of infection after the procedure. Additionally, they may suggest rinsing your mouth with saltwater several times a day to keep it clean and reduce discomfort. Eating soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup can help reduce discomfort while your gums heal.
In most cases, healing occurs within a few weeks after wisdom teeth removal surgery. If you experience any unusual or concerning symptoms after surgery such as excessive bleeding or pain that doesn’t seem to be improving with medication, contact your dentist right away for further evaluation and treatment if necessary.
When Is It Too Late To Remove Wisdom Teeth?
The ideal time to remove wisdom teeth is between the ages of 16 and 25, when they begin to appear. After this age, the risk of complications increases. However, there may be some cases where wisdom teeth removal is recommended after the age of 25.
Complications can include infection, damage to adjacent teeth, and nerve damage. The older a person is, the more likely they are to experience these complications. Wisdom tooth extraction can also be more difficult due to changes in the jawbone that occur with age.
It is important to talk to a dentist about any concerns regarding wisdom teeth removal before deciding whether or not it should be done. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best course of action based on your individual situation.
In some cases, it may be possible to keep wisdom teeth if they are not causing any problems. However, if there is any pain or swelling in the area of the wisdom tooth or if it is pushing against other teeth, then it may need to be removed.
If you are over 25 and are considering removing your wisdom teeth, it is important that you talk with a dentist first to determine if it is safe for you do so. Your dentist will consider factors such as your age and medical history before making a recommendation about whether or not removal is necessary or safe for you.
Alternatives To Wisdom Teeth Removal
It is always better to explore alternatives to wisdom teeth removal before making the decision to proceed with the surgery. The most common alternative is to simply do nothing and observe the tooth closely for signs of infection. If the tooth is not causing pain or discomfort, it may be possible to leave it alone. However, if an infection does occur, antibiotics can be prescribed to help treat the condition and prevent further damage. Other alternatives include using braces or an orthodontic appliance to move the teeth into their proper position, as well as reshaping the bone around them. In some cases, a combination of these methods may be recommended. In extreme cases, extraction may still be necessary but this should only be considered after all other options have been exhausted.
Another alternative is an in-office procedure called alveoplasty. This involves reshaping or smoothing out any irregularities in the gum line that could cause problems with your wisdom teeth erupting properly. It can also help relieve pain and discomfort associated with impacted wisdom teeth by reducing pressure on them and any surrounding tissue. Alveoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia and does not require general anesthesia like a more invasive wisdom teeth extraction procedure would.
Finally, some dentists may recommend a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing as an alternative treatment for impacted wisdom teeth. This involves removing plaque and tartar from around your teeth, as well as smoothing out any rough spots on the surface of your tooth roots that could prevent them from erupting normally. Depending on your individual case, this type of procedure may reduce inflammation, help restore normal function to your mouth, and even reduce pain associated with impacted wisdom teeth without having to remove them altogether.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
The recovery time after wisdom teeth extraction varies from person to person. Generally, it takes about 3-5 days for the swelling and discomfort to subside, and a full recovery can take up to 2 weeks. During this time, you should avoid strenuous activities and contact sports.
After the procedure, your dentist may provide you with instructions on how to manage your pain and swelling. This may include taking over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, applying ice packs to the area, eating soft foods such as applesauce and yogurt, avoiding smoking or drinking through a straw, and rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day.
It is also important to keep the surgical area clean by brushing gently around the extraction site without disturbing the wound. Your dentist may also recommend that you use an antiseptic rinse or gel after meals to help reduce bacteria in your mouth that could lead to infection.
Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments for further evaluation of your healing process. During these visits, they may check for signs of infection or any other complications that could arise after wisdom teeth extraction.
In most cases, wisdom teeth extraction is a relatively simple procedure that can be done in about an hour. However, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions closely in order to ensure proper healing and recovery from wisdom teeth extraction. With proper care and attention, most people can expect a full recovery within two weeks of their procedure.
Signs of Infections After Wisdom Teeth Removal
After wisdom tooth extraction, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of infection. The most common signs of infection after wisdom teeth removal are swelling, pain, redness, and drainage from the extraction site. Swelling can be mild to severe and can occur in the cheeks, jaw, and around the extraction site. Pain can range from mild discomfort to severe throbbing and radiating pain. Redness may also appear around the extraction site or in the cheeks. Drainage from the extraction site may also indicate an infection; this can be a yellowish-white discharge or pus-like fluid.
Other signs of infection after wisdom tooth removal include fever, bad breath, difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth, and a bad taste in your mouth. A fever is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as chills. Bad breath is often caused by an accumulation of bacteria in the mouth. Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing can be caused by swelling around the jaw or throat area. Lastly, a bad taste in your mouth could indicate an infection as well as poor oral hygiene practices.
If any of these symptoms are present after wisdom teeth extraction, it is important to contact your dentist as soon as possible for treatment. Infections after wisdom teeth removal can become serious if not treated promptly and properly with antibiotics or other medications prescribed by a doctor.
Conclusion
It is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications that can arise when wisdom teeth are not removed. Common complications include pain, infection, overcrowding, misalignment, and other issues with the surrounding teeth. In some cases, removal may be necessary in order to prevent further damage.
Ultimately, it is important to discuss any concerns with your dentist in order to determine whether or not wisdom tooth extraction is necessary. With proper monitoring and preventive care, most people can avoid the need for removal and maintain healthy, functional teeth.
No matter what your decision may be when it comes to wisdom teeth removal, it is essential to make sure you receive regular dental check-ups so that any issues can be identified and treated early on. By taking care of your teeth and gums now, you can ensure a healthy smile for years to come.