What happens if you don’t remove wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth—those last molars at the back of your mouth—can be a real headache if not dealt with properly. They may seem harmless, but if left untreated, they can lead to a range of dental complications that can affect not just your smile but your overall health. So, what happens if you don’t remove wisdom teeth? The consequences can be severe, leading to infections, pain, misalignment, and even more serious conditions. In this article, we’ll explore why it’s crucial to stay ahead of potential issues with your wisdom teeth.

What Exactly Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the back of the mouth, usually emerging between the ages of 17 and 25. However, not everyone has them. In fact, some people are born without one or more of their wisdom teeth. While most people have four, it’s not uncommon to have fewer or none at all. This variation is part of the body’s natural adaptation over time as our jaws have become smaller and the need for these extra teeth has diminished.

When wisdom teeth do develop, they often create problems due to the lack of space in the modern jaw. In many cases, these teeth don’t fully erupt, leading to pain and discomfort.

The Dangers of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to emerge properly, they become impacted. Impacted teeth can grow at odd angles, leading to a host of complications. There are several types of impaction, each with its own potential long-term consequences if left untreated:

• Partially Impacted Wisdom Teeth: These teeth emerge only partially, leaving a flap of gum tissue over them. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. Over time, the partial eruption can lead to gingival inflammation and pain.
• Horizontally Impacted Wisdom Teeth: These teeth grow sideways, pressing against adjacent molars. This pressure can lead to root resorption of the neighboring molars, which may eventually cause their loss. The constant force also increases the risk of jawbone deterioration.
• Vertically Impacted Wisdom Teeth: These teeth grow straight down but are blocked from fully erupting. The continuous pressure on adjacent teeth can cause pain and misalignment, leading to malocclusion (bad bite). If left untreated, this can make it difficult to chew properly and may eventually require orthodontic treatment to correct.

In all cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to chronic pain, infection, and long-term dental problems that may require extraction.

The Agony of Infection (Pericoronitis)

An impacted wisdom tooth is a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to a condition called pericoronitis. This infection occurs when the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth becomes inflamed. The bacteria most commonly involved in pericoronitis include Streptococcus mutans and Fusobacterium nucleatum.

• Chronic Pericoronitis: If untreated, pericoronitis can become a recurring problem, leading to repeated flare-ups that can cause long-term gum damage. The inflamed area may also spread the infection, leading to more serious issues like Ludwig’s angina, a severe infection in the neck and throat area.

The ongoing discomfort from pericoronitis is a constant reminder that ignoring the wisdom tooth can lead to more than just temporary pain—it can cause long-term oral health issues.

Damaging Your Perfect Smile: Impact on Adjacent Teeth

One of the most frustrating consequences of not removing wisdom teeth is the pressure they exert on adjacent teeth. When wisdom teeth grow at odd angles or are impacted, they can cause:

• Crowding: The pressure from the wisdom tooth can push the adjacent molars out of alignment, leading to overcrowding of the teeth. This misalignment can affect your bite and overall appearance.
• Orthodontic Implications: In some cases, the misalignment caused by wisdom teeth may require braces or aligners to correct. The longer the wisdom teeth remain untreated, the more difficult and costly it may become to fix the resulting malocclusion.

These problems not only affect the aesthetic of your smile but can also impact your ability to chew and maintain proper oral hygiene.

Hidden Dangers: Cyst Formation

Another serious consequence of not removing wisdom teeth is the potential for cyst formation. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of dentigerous cysts, which form around the crown of an unerupted tooth. These cysts originate from the reduced enamel epithelium, a layer of tissue that surrounds the developing tooth.

If left untreated, the cyst can cause significant bone resorption, destroying the surrounding jawbone. The cyst may also lead to infections or require more invasive procedures, including tooth and bone removal. Early intervention is critical to prevent further damage.

Persistent Pain and Discomfort

While most people associate wisdom teeth pain with infection, there’s also the chronic discomfort that can result from the constant pressure exerted by an impacted tooth.

• Acute Pain: Associated with infection, this pain can come on suddenly and can be sharp or throbbing. It often requires immediate dental attention.
• Chronic Pain: The dull, constant ache caused by the pressure of an impacted wisdom tooth can make it difficult to eat, speak, and go about daily activities. Even without an infection, this pressure can lead to persistent discomfort that can last for months or even years if the tooth remains untreated.

Understanding the difference between these types of pain is important for deciding when to consult a dentist.

The Silent Threat: Difficulty with Oral Hygiene

Impacted wisdom teeth can make oral hygiene a nightmare. The limited access to the back of your mouth, combined with gum tissue that may cover the tooth, makes it difficult to clean effectively. Poor hygiene around wisdom teeth can result in:

• Localized Periodontal Disease: The buildup of plaque and bacteria can lead to gum disease that affects not just the wisdom tooth but also the surrounding molars.
• Cavities and Tooth Decay: The inability to clean the area properly can lead to cavities, which can spread to neighboring teeth, causing even more extensive dental issues.

Regular dental checkups and X-rays are crucial for detecting potential problems before they escalate into more serious conditions.

Rare but Serious: The Risk of Abscesses and Systemic Issues

Infections from wisdom teeth can also lead to dental abscesses, which are pus-filled cavities that form as a result of bacteria. An abscess can spread through the soft tissues of the mouth and into the bloodstream, leading to more serious complications.

• Systemic Risks: Infections from dental abscesses can travel through fascial planes, affecting other areas of the body and potentially leading to sepsis—a life-threatening condition. Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent these serious complications.

When Is Keeping Wisdom Teeth an Option?

In rare cases, wisdom teeth may not cause any problems and can be safely retained. Dentists may recommend keeping wisdom teeth if they are:

• Fully Erupted and properly aligned
• Not causing any discomfort
• In a position that doesn’t affect adjacent teeth or oral health

However, even seemingly problem-free wisdom teeth should be monitored with regular X-rays to check for any changes that might lead to future issues.

Conclusion:

While wisdom teeth may seem like an insignificant issue at first, failing to address them can lead to serious and costly complications down the road. From infections and cysts to pain and damage to adjacent teeth, the risks of not removing wisdom teeth are significant. Don’t wait for the pain to worsen—consult your dentist today to discuss whether removal is the best option for your oral health. Prevention is key, and the sooner you act, the better.