Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to emerge, typically in early adulthood. While some people have enough room in the back of their mouth to accommodate these new additions, many experience various dental problems due to a lack of space. Dental professionals often recommend wisdom teeth extraction as a preventative measure. But what happens if you decide not to proceed with the wisdom tooth removal?
Dental Issues and Complications
Ignoring problematic wisdom teeth can lead to a slew of dental issues, such as:
Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
When wisdom teeth come in at the wrong angle, they can create tight spaces that trap food particles. Poor access to these areas at the back of your mouth makes regular cleaning difficult, leading to tooth decay and even periodontal (gum) disease along the gum line.
Impacted Tooth and Bacterial Infection
An impacted tooth does not have enough room to emerge or develop normally. This lack of space often results in the wisdom tooth growing at various angles, affecting the nearby teeth and their alignment. An impacted tooth can result in bacterial infection at the gum tissue, leading to pain, swelling, and less frequently serious infections around the airway that necessitate immediate hospitalization and surgery.
Cysts, Tumors, and Other Pathologies
Impacted teeth are more prone than other teeth to be associated with cysts, tumors, and other pathologies. Some of these pathologies are related to the infections described above. Some of the pathologies however, arise due to the presence of the impacted teeth and its surrounding lining (called follicle) in the jaw bone.
Wisdom teeth are located very far back in the mouth and often get missed on routine dental exams. Therefore, routine evaluation is not always possible which may lead to pathologies going unchecked for months, and even years. Removing the wisdom teeth is therefore the recommended preventative treatment.
Common Signs You Need an Extraction
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons identify several common signs that you need a wisdom tooth extraction, including:
- Pain in the back molars
- A sensation of pressure at the back of the mouth
- Swelling and inflammation around the surrounding teeth and gum tissue
The presence of wisdom teeth on panoramic dental x-rays usually leads to a referral by your dentist to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. We highly recommend that you take their advice and make that consultation appointment.
The Process of Wisdom Teeth Extraction
If you decide to proceed with the wisdom tooth removal, the oral surgery typically involves:
- A dental exam and X-rays to understand the positioning of the teeth and roots.
- Review of your medical history to ensure that any future procedure will be safe.
- Review of all the risks and benefits of the procedure (if indicated)
- Local or general anesthesia, depending on the severity of the impaction, anxiety, your preferences, and medical history.
- Surgical removal, with the aid of platelet rich fibrin placement and sutures if necessary
Why Risk It? Take Preventative Action
If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth and how they might affect your oral health, the best action is to consult an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for a wisdom teeth extraction. Doing so can prevent:
- Alignment issues among your adjacent teeth
- Further complications like large scale infections, cysts, and periodontal disease
- Potential risk of infection affecting your overall health
How Long Does It Take To Heal After A Tooth Extraction?
Postsurgical swelling and stiffness are typically at their worst 48 to 72 hours following surgery. These conditions will often start to subside after 72 hours. To minimize swelling, follow the directions stated above. In addition, sutures may have been placed. Most sutures will dissolve on their own in 3-5 days. A follow-up appointment may still be necessary. Dr. Khader and her team will notify you if a follow-up appointment needs to be scheduled.
Schedule a Consultation at Community Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Ignoring the signs that you need a wisdom tooth extraction or the recommendations of your general dentist can have long-term adverse effects on the health of your mouth. Remember, each situation is different, and a qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon can provide the best guidance on managing your wisdom teeth, considering the unique aspects of your oral health.
We advise you to schedule a consultation with our Community Oral and Maxillofacial team in Milwaukee, WI, if you are experiencing any typical signs of problematic wisdom teeth.