If You Don't Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
Introduction
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that appear in the back of your mouth during your late teens or early twenties. These teeth can be valuable when they are healthy and properly aligned, but they can also cause serious problems if they are not removed. In this article, we will discuss the consequences of not getting your wisdom teeth removed and why it is important to do so.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. They are located at the very back of your mouth and are the last teeth to come in. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but some have fewer or none at all. Wisdom teeth can be valuable if they are healthy and properly aligned, but they can also cause problems if they are not.
Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth do not have enough room to grow properly, they can cause a host of problems. Here are some of the problems that can be caused by wisdom teeth:
- Impacted teeth
- Crowding of teeth
- Pain and discomfort
- Infections
- Cysts and tumors
- Damage to adjacent teeth
Impacted Teeth
When wisdom teeth do not have enough room to grow properly, they can become impacted. An impacted tooth is one that is blocked from emerging by another tooth, bone, or soft tissue. Impacted teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infection. They can also damage adjacent teeth and jawbone.
Crowding of Teeth
Wisdom teeth can cause crowding of teeth in the mouth. When there is not enough space for the wisdom teeth to grow, they can push other teeth out of the way, causing them to become crooked or misaligned. This can cause problems with bite and alignment, and can also lead to difficulty with cleaning and maintaining good oral hygiene.
Pain and Discomfort
Wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort in the mouth. This can be due to impaction, infection, inflammation, or damage to adjacent teeth. Pain and discomfort can make it difficult to eat, speak, and perform daily activities.
Infections
Wisdom teeth can cause infections in the mouth. When there is not enough space for the wisdom teeth to grow, they can become impacted and trap food and bacteria. This can lead to infection, inflammation, and swelling. Infections can be painful and require treatment with antibiotics or even surgery.
Cysts and Tumors
Wisdom teeth can cause cysts and tumors in the jawbone. When a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, it can cause a fluid-filled sac to form around the tooth. This can lead to the formation of a cyst or tumor in the jawbone. These growths can be painful and require surgical removal.
Damage to Adjacent Teeth
Wisdom teeth can cause damage to adjacent teeth. When there is not enough space for the wisdom teeth to grow, they can push other teeth out of the way, causing them to become damaged or misaligned. This can lead to problems with bite and alignment, and can also make it difficult to clean and maintain good oral hygiene.
Why You Should Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
There are several reasons why you should get your wisdom teeth removed, even if they are not causing any problems yet:
- Prevent future problems
- Reduce the risk of infection
- Prevent damage to adjacent teeth
- Improve oral hygiene
- Reduce pain and discomfort
How to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
If your dentist or oral surgeon recommends that your wisdom teeth be removed, there are several steps involved in the process:
- Consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon
- X-rays to determine the position of your wisdom teeth
- Surgical removal of the wisdom teeth
- Recovery and follow-up care
Conclusion
Getting your wisdom teeth removed is important to prevent future problems, reduce the risk of infection, prevent damage to adjacent teeth, improve oral hygiene, and reduce pain and discomfort. If your dentist or oral surgeon recommends that your wisdom teeth be removed, it is best to follow their advice and get the procedure done as soon as possible.
