Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth located at the back of your mouth. They typically emerge in your late teens or early twenties and can cause a variety of issues if not properly managed. While not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed, there are certain situations where leaving them untreated could lead to serious oral health problems.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Before exploring the consequences of not removing your wisdom teeth, it’s essential to understand why dentists recommend their removal in the first place. Wisdom teeth can cause a range of problems, such as:
- Crowding of Other Teeth: When wisdom teeth come in, they can push against the surrounding teeth, causing misalignment and crowding. This is particularly problematic for individuals who have previously had orthodontic treatment.
- Infections and Gum Disease: Wisdom teeth that are only partially erupted or impacted are prone to infections and inflammation in the surrounding gums, often referred to as pericoronitis.
- Cysts or Tumors: Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of cysts or even tumors, which may require surgical intervention and could damage nearby nerves and bone.
- Tooth Decay: Wisdom teeth at the back of the mouth can be difficult to clean, making them more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities.
Now, let’s explore what happens if you choose not to have your wisdom teeth removed.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth: What Are They?
One of the most common reasons for wisdom tooth removal is impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for the teeth to emerge properly. As a result, they may grow at an angle, partially erupt through the gum, or become completely trapped beneath the gum line.
When a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, it can lead to several issues:
- Pain: The most obvious sign of an impacted wisdom tooth is pain, which can range from mild to severe. This pain may occur around the jaw, in the back of the mouth, or even in the ear area.
- Infection: Impacted wisdom teeth are more likely to trap food, bacteria, and plaque, leading to infections in the surrounding gum tissue. If left untreated, this can result in abscesses, swelling, and an increased risk of spreading the infection.
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth: An impacted wisdom tooth can put pressure on the neighboring teeth, causing discomfort or even damaging them over time.
- Cysts and Bone Loss: As impacted wisdom teeth continue to exert pressure on surrounding tissues, they can lead to the formation of cysts or tumors. These growths can erode the bone and damage the roots of nearby teeth, leading to tooth loss or other serious complications.
Gum Infections and Periodontal Disease
If your wisdom teeth don’t come through the gums properly, they can create a pocket between the tooth and gum where food particles and bacteria can get trapped. This creates an ideal environment for infections to develop.
- Pericoronitis: This is an infection of the soft tissue surrounding the crown of a partially erupted wisdom tooth. It often causes pain, swelling, and difficulty opening the mouth. In severe cases, it can lead to a fever or difficulty swallowing.
- Periodontal Disease: Failing to remove problematic wisdom teeth can also increase your risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease. Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them difficult to clean properly. Poor oral hygiene in these hard-to-reach areas can lead to the accumulation of plaque and tartar, which promotes gum disease and even tooth loss.
Crowding of Teeth
One of the most common concerns associated with wisdom teeth is crowding. If there isn’t enough space in your mouth to accommodate these teeth, they can push against adjacent teeth, causing them to shift out of alignment. This is particularly concerning for those who have had braces or orthodontic treatment in the past.
While not everyone experiences crowding due to wisdom teeth, individuals who already have limited space in their mouths are more likely to face this issue. If your wisdom teeth crowd your other teeth, it may lead to:
- Orthodontic Relapse: If you’ve had braces, the shifting caused by wisdom teeth could reverse the work done by your orthodontist, leading to a misalignment of your teeth.
- Overcrowded Smile: Crowding can also make it difficult to properly clean your teeth, increasing your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, it may affect your smile’s aesthetics, which could impact your confidence.
Risk of Tooth Decay and Cavities
Wisdom teeth are located at the back of your mouth, making them harder to reach with a toothbrush and floss. If these teeth are left untreated, they are more prone to tooth decay, especially if they are partially erupted or impacted. The difficulty of cleaning these teeth properly creates an environment where plaque and bacteria thrive, leading to cavities and potential gum infection.
Impact of Decay on Other Teeth
Untreated wisdom tooth decay can also affect the health of nearby teeth. As cavities progress, they can weaken the integrity of the surrounding structures, leading to more extensive damage. In some cases, this decay can spread to the adjacent molars, requiring more complicated dental work like root canals, fillings, or even extractions.
Increased Risk of Cysts and Tumors
An untreated impacted wisdom tooth can lead to the development of cysts or tumors in the jawbone. These growths can cause a variety of problems, including:
- Jawbone Damage: Cysts and tumors can damage the surrounding bone and teeth, weakening the structure of the jaw and leading to further complications.
- Need for More Extensive Surgery: If left untreated, cysts and tumors may require larger and more complex surgical procedures, which could have longer recovery times and higher associated costs.
- Nerve Damage: In rare cases, untreated wisdom teeth problems can lead to nerve damage, resulting in numbness or tingling in the face, mouth, or jaw.
Difficulty with Oral Hygiene
As mentioned earlier, wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them difficult to clean properly. If these teeth are left in place and are not properly managed, it can result in a build-up of plaque, tartar, and bacteria. Poor oral hygiene can cause:
- Bad Breath (Halitosis): Accumulation of food particles and bacteria can lead to bad breath. Wisdom teeth that are impacted or difficult to clean can worsen this issue.
- Gum Inflammation: Difficulty brushing and flossing around wisdom teeth may lead to swollen, bleeding gums—a condition known as gingivitis.
- Increased Risk of Tooth Loss: If left untreated, wisdom teeth and their surrounding tissue can deteriorate to the point where tooth loss becomes inevitable.
Chronic Pain and Discomfort
Even if your wisdom teeth are not impacted, they may still cause chronic pain. Some individuals experience pain in the back of the mouth, difficulty chewing, and even pain when talking. The discomfort may come and go, but if your wisdom teeth are not properly removed, the pain could persist or worsen over time.
In some cases, the pain could be a sign of an infection or impaction, which would require professional dental attention to avoid further complications.
Potential Complications of Delaying Wisdom Tooth Removal
While some people may have wisdom teeth that don’t cause any immediate issues, it’s important to understand the risks of delaying their removal:
- Age and Healing: The best time to remove wisdom teeth is typically in your late teens or early twenties, when the roots are not fully developed. Waiting until later in life may lead to more complicated extractions and longer recovery times.
- Complicated Surgery: As you age, the surrounding bone may become denser, making the extraction process more difficult and the risk of complications higher.
- Worsening of Symptoms: Delaying removal can lead to the worsening of symptoms like pain, infections, or the formation of cysts and tumors.
Conclusion: Should You Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?
While not every individual requires wisdom teeth removal, it’s important to be proactive about your dental health. Ignoring potential issues with your wisdom teeth can lead to a host of complications, from infections and tooth decay to nerve damage and misalignment. If you’re looking for a trusted Dentist in Grafton, MA, come visit us at Accord Dental, your health and comfort are our priority. Contact us today to learn more about wisdom tooth removal and how we can help improve your smile.
