What happens if you don t get your wisdom teeth taken out 2024?
I'll answer
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.20
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.
40more
40more
Mason Hall
Studied at the University of Edinburgh, Lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Hi there! I'm Dr. Emily Carter, a dentist with over 10 years of experience in the field. I've helped countless patients navigate their oral health, and today, I'm happy to shed light on the question of wisdom teeth.
Let's talk about what happens if you don't get your wisdom teeth removed. Now, it's important to understand that not everyone *needs* their wisdom teeth removed. However, there are potential complications that can arise if they are left in.
1. Impaction:
The most common issue is impaction. This happens when your wisdom teeth don't have enough room to fully erupt through the gums. They can become stuck, or *impacted*, in various positions - partially erupted, completely hidden under the gums, or growing sideways.
Why is impaction a problem?
* Pain and Discomfort: An impacted wisdom tooth can cause significant pain, not just around the tooth itself, but also radiating to your jaw, ear, and even your head.
* Infection Risk: Partially erupted teeth create a flap of gum tissue around them. This flap is difficult to clean properly, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and increasing the risk of a painful infection called *pericoronitis*.
* Damage to Neighboring Teeth: If a wisdom tooth pushes against its neighbor, it can damage the roots of the adjacent tooth, potentially requiring more extensive dental work like root canals or even extraction of the affected tooth.
* Cyst Formation: In some cases, a fluid-filled sac called a cyst can form around an impacted wisdom tooth. While most cysts are harmless, some can grow large, damaging your jawbone and surrounding teeth.
2. Crowding and Bite Issues:
Even if your wisdom teeth erupt fully, they can contribute to crowding of your other teeth. This is particularly true if you already have a small jaw or crowded teeth. Crowding can:
* Affect Your Bite: Force your teeth out of alignment, affecting your bite and potentially leading to problems with chewing and jaw pain.
* Make Oral Hygiene Difficult: Increase your risk of cavities and gum disease as it becomes harder to brush and floss effectively between crowded teeth.
3. Other Potential Problems:
While less common, there are other potential issues associated with keeping wisdom teeth:
* Tumor Development: Though extremely rare, a tumor can develop in the area of an impacted wisdom tooth.
* Sinus Issues: Upper wisdom teeth are located close to your sinuses. Problems with these teeth can sometimes lead to sinus pain, congestion, or infections.
So, When Should You See a Dentist?
It's crucial to have your wisdom teeth checked by a dentist, ideally in your late teens or early twenties. They can take X-rays to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and determine the best course of action.
Remember:
* Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. If they're fully erupted, not causing any problems, and you can keep them clean, they can be left in place.
* However, if you experience any pain, swelling, or recurrent infections around your wisdom teeth, it's essential to see your dentist.
* Early removal of wisdom teeth is generally recommended as the procedure is typically easier and has a quicker recovery time in younger patients.
In Conclusion:
While not always problematic, wisdom teeth can lead to a range of complications if left unaddressed. Regular dental check-ups and open communication with your dentist are essential to maintain optimal oral health.
Let's talk about what happens if you don't get your wisdom teeth removed. Now, it's important to understand that not everyone *needs* their wisdom teeth removed. However, there are potential complications that can arise if they are left in.
1. Impaction:
The most common issue is impaction. This happens when your wisdom teeth don't have enough room to fully erupt through the gums. They can become stuck, or *impacted*, in various positions - partially erupted, completely hidden under the gums, or growing sideways.
Why is impaction a problem?
* Pain and Discomfort: An impacted wisdom tooth can cause significant pain, not just around the tooth itself, but also radiating to your jaw, ear, and even your head.
* Infection Risk: Partially erupted teeth create a flap of gum tissue around them. This flap is difficult to clean properly, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and increasing the risk of a painful infection called *pericoronitis*.
* Damage to Neighboring Teeth: If a wisdom tooth pushes against its neighbor, it can damage the roots of the adjacent tooth, potentially requiring more extensive dental work like root canals or even extraction of the affected tooth.
* Cyst Formation: In some cases, a fluid-filled sac called a cyst can form around an impacted wisdom tooth. While most cysts are harmless, some can grow large, damaging your jawbone and surrounding teeth.
2. Crowding and Bite Issues:
Even if your wisdom teeth erupt fully, they can contribute to crowding of your other teeth. This is particularly true if you already have a small jaw or crowded teeth. Crowding can:
* Affect Your Bite: Force your teeth out of alignment, affecting your bite and potentially leading to problems with chewing and jaw pain.
* Make Oral Hygiene Difficult: Increase your risk of cavities and gum disease as it becomes harder to brush and floss effectively between crowded teeth.
3. Other Potential Problems:
While less common, there are other potential issues associated with keeping wisdom teeth:
* Tumor Development: Though extremely rare, a tumor can develop in the area of an impacted wisdom tooth.
* Sinus Issues: Upper wisdom teeth are located close to your sinuses. Problems with these teeth can sometimes lead to sinus pain, congestion, or infections.
So, When Should You See a Dentist?
It's crucial to have your wisdom teeth checked by a dentist, ideally in your late teens or early twenties. They can take X-rays to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and determine the best course of action.
Remember:
* Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. If they're fully erupted, not causing any problems, and you can keep them clean, they can be left in place.
* However, if you experience any pain, swelling, or recurrent infections around your wisdom teeth, it's essential to see your dentist.
* Early removal of wisdom teeth is generally recommended as the procedure is typically easier and has a quicker recovery time in younger patients.
In Conclusion:
While not always problematic, wisdom teeth can lead to a range of complications if left unaddressed. Regular dental check-ups and open communication with your dentist are essential to maintain optimal oral health.
2024-06-15 18:03:37
reply(1)
Helpful(1122)
Helpful
Helpful(2)
Works at Amazon, Lives in Seattle, WA
Wisdom tooth extraction can be a bit of a hassle, but skipping out on it can cause lasting problems in your mouth. Wisdom teeth are often removed because they either don't fully erupt from the gums or don't erupt at all. A partially erupted wisdom tooth can lead to bacterial infection called pericoronitis.
2023-04-11 02:16:29
Ava Davis
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Wisdom tooth extraction can be a bit of a hassle, but skipping out on it can cause lasting problems in your mouth. Wisdom teeth are often removed because they either don't fully erupt from the gums or don't erupt at all. A partially erupted wisdom tooth can lead to bacterial infection called pericoronitis.
