Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth located at the back of the mouth. These teeth typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, usually between the ages of 17 and 25.
While not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed, there are certain risks associated with keeping them.
Understanding these risks can help you make an informed decision about whether to keep or remove your wisdom teeth, especially as they can significantly affect your oral health.
In this article, we will explore the risks of keeping wisdom teeth, why some people need them removed, and what the potential consequences are if they are left untreated.
Additionally, we will provide insights into the process of having wisdom teeth removed and how it can benefit your long-term health.
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The Risks Of Keeping Wisdom Teeth
While some people may not experience problems with their wisdom teeth, there are several risks associated with keeping them. These risks can include infection, pain, tooth decay, and damage to adjacent teeth. Below are some of the most common and significant risks of keeping your wisdom teeth:
Impaction And Misalignment
One of the most common issues with wisdom teeth is impaction. This occurs when there is not enough space in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to emerge properly. As a result, the teeth become stuck beneath the gum line and fail to break through.
Impacted wisdom teeth can be classified into four types:
- Vertical impaction: The tooth is positioned correctly but is unable to emerge because it is blocked by other teeth.
- Horizontal impaction: The tooth is lying on its side and pushes against the adjacent tooth.
- Angular impaction: The tooth grows at an angle and may push into the adjacent tooth.
- Partial impaction: The tooth only partially emerges through the gums, leading to infection or discomfort.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a range of problems, including:
- Pain and discomfort: When the wisdom teeth do not have enough space to erupt, they can cause pressure and pain in the back of the mouth.
- Infection: Impacted teeth that have partially emerged can create pockets in the gums where bacteria can accumulate, leading to infections or abscesses.
- Damage to neighbouring teeth: If an impacted wisdom tooth grows against another tooth, it can cause damage to the surrounding teeth or shift their alignment.
Infection And Gum Disease
Wisdom teeth, especially impacted ones, are at an increased risk of developing infections. Partially erupted teeth can create a flap of gum tissue over the tooth, trapping food particles and bacteria.
This creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, which can lead to infections, gum disease, and dental abscesses. Infections caused by wisdom teeth can be painful and may require antibiotics to treat the bacteria.
If the infection worsens, it can lead to more serious issues, such as the spread of infection to the jawbone or bloodstream, which can result in a medical emergency.
Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is another concern for people who keep their wisdom teeth.
If the wisdom teeth are difficult to clean or maintain, plaque and tartar can build up around the teeth, leading to gum inflammation, bleeding, and even bone loss.
In severe cases, untreated gum disease can result in the loss of teeth.
Tooth Decay And Cavities
Because wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, they are often harder to clean properly. This makes them more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities.
The difficult-to-reach areas around the wisdom teeth, along with the potential for trapped food and plaque, can make it challenging to maintain good oral hygiene.
When wisdom teeth are impacted or partially erupted, they may not align properly with the neighbouring teeth.
This misalignment can create spaces where food particles and plaque accumulate, leading to the development of cavities.
If left untreated, tooth decay can cause the affected tooth to deteriorate, resulting in the need for more complex dental procedures such as root canals or extractions.
Cyst Formation
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the formation of cysts. A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can develop around an impacted tooth.
While cysts are generally benign, they can cause significant damage if they grow large enough. Cysts can:
- Destroy the surrounding bone structure.
- Damage the roots of neighbouring teeth.
- Lead to infection and other complications.
If a cyst becomes large, it may require surgical removal to prevent further damage to the jawbone and other teeth.
Jaw And Nerve Damage
Impacted wisdom teeth can sometimes push against nearby structures, including the jawbone and nerves. In rare cases, this pressure can lead to complications such as nerve damage.
The lower wisdom teeth are located near a major nerve known as the inferior alveolar nerve, which supplies sensation to the lower lip and chin.
If a wisdom tooth grows too close to this nerve, there is a risk of nerve damage during removal. This can lead to numbness, tingling, or a loss of sensation in the lower lip, chin, and tongue.
While nerve damage is rare, it can be a serious risk associated with keeping wisdom teeth that are impacted or misaligned.
Sinus Problems
The upper wisdom teeth are located close to the maxillary sinuses, which are air-filled spaces located behind the cheekbones and forehead.
If the upper wisdom teeth are impacted, they can cause sinus problems such as:
- Sinus pressure: The impacted teeth can put pressure on the sinus cavity, leading to discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the face.
- Sinus infections: In some cases, infections in the upper wisdom teeth can spread to the sinuses, causing sinusitis and further complications.
Difficulty Chewing And Speaking
Wisdom teeth, particularly when they are misaligned or impacted, can make it difficult to chew and speak properly.
The discomfort caused by these teeth, especially when they are inflamed or infected, can interfere with normal daily activities.
If the wisdom teeth are causing pain, you may find it challenging to eat or speak without discomfort.
When To Remove Wisdom Teeth
Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. However, there are certain situations where removal is recommended to prevent complications and safeguard oral health.
Your dentist or oral surgeon will evaluate the position, size, and health of your wisdom teeth to determine whether removal is necessary.
Here are some indications that wisdom teeth may need to be removed:
- Persistent pain or discomfort in the back of the mouth.
- Signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or pus around the gums.
- Cysts or tumours develop around the wisdom teeth.
- Damage to neighbouring teeth is caused by pressure from the wisdom teeth.
- Tooth decay or gum disease cannot be treated effectively due to the position of the wisdom teeth.
- Jaw or nerve damage resulting from the positioning of the wisdom teeth.
The Process Of Removing Wisdom Teeth
If you and your dentist decide that removing your wisdom teeth is the best option, the procedure can be done in a dental office or surgical clinic under local anaesthesia, sedation, or general anaesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case.
After the procedure, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and ice packs.
Recovery times can vary, but most people return to their normal activities within a few days to a week.
Conclusion
While some people can keep their wisdom teeth without any issues, there are significant risks associated with keeping them, especially if they are impacted, misaligned, or difficult to clean.
These risks can include infection, tooth decay, cyst formation, nerve damage, and even jaw problems.
If you are experiencing any discomfort or symptoms related to your wisdom teeth, it is important to consult your dentist to determine whether removal is necessary for your oral health.
Ultimately, whether or not to keep your wisdom teeth depends on a variety of factors, including the position and health of the teeth, as well as your risk for future complications.
Discussing your options with your dentist can help you make an informed decision that will support your long-term oral health.
Frequently Ask Question
How Can I Tell If My Wisdom Teeth Are Causing Problems?
Signs that your wisdom teeth may be causing problems include pain or tenderness at the back of the mouth, swollen or bleeding gums, jaw pain, or difficulty opening your mouth.
Additionally, if you notice a bad taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath, it could indicate an infection or food trapped around an impacted tooth.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your dentist for a thorough examination.
Are There Any Benefits To Keeping Your Wisdom Teeth?
The main benefit of keeping your wisdom teeth is that they may not cause any issues if they are healthy, fully erupted, and properly aligned. In this case, there is no immediate need for extraction.
Wisdom teeth are part of the natural set of teeth, and if they are functioning well and don’t interfere with your bite or oral hygiene, they can remain in place.
Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor their health and avoid future problems.
How Often Should I Visit The Dentist To Monitor My Wisdom Teeth?
It’s essential to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups, typically every six to twelve months, to monitor your wisdom teeth.
During these visits, your dentist will assess the position of your wisdom teeth, check for signs of infection, and ensure they aren’t causing damage to your other teeth or gums.
If necessary, your dentist may take X-rays to evaluate how your wisdom teeth are growing and recommend extraction if any issues are identified.
Regular monitoring can help prevent complications before they become serious.