Side Effects Of Not Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars to emerge in the back of your mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but some may have fewer or more. Wisdom teeth usually emerge in your late teens or early twenties. While some people may not experience any problems with their wisdom teeth, others may need them removed due to various reasons.
Why Do You Need To Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems, including:
- Impacted wisdom teeth: When your wisdom teeth don't have enough room to emerge, they may become impacted, causing pain, swelling, and infection.
- Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push your other teeth out of alignment, causing crowding and bite problems.
- Tooth decay: Wisdom teeth are difficult to clean, making them more prone to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Cysts and tumors: In rare cases, wisdom teeth can lead to the development of cysts and tumors, which can cause damage to your jawbone and surrounding teeth.
What Happens If You Don't Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?
If you don't get your wisdom teeth removed, you may experience the following side effects:
- Pain and discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe pain and discomfort, making it difficult to eat, speak, or sleep.
- Infection: Impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to infection, which can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated.
- Damage to surrounding teeth: Crowded wisdom teeth can push your other teeth out of alignment, causing bite problems and damage to your surrounding teeth.
- Cysts and tumors: As mentioned earlier, wisdom teeth can lead to the development of cysts and tumors, which can cause serious damage to your jawbone and surrounding teeth.
What Is The Procedure For Removing Wisdom Teeth?
The procedure for removing wisdom teeth may vary depending on the complexity of your case. In general, the procedure involves the following steps:
- Anesthesia: You will be given anesthesia to numb the area around your wisdom teeth and help you feel more comfortable during the procedure.
- Tooth extraction: Your dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in your gum tissue to expose your wisdom teeth and remove them.
- Sutures: Your dentist or oral surgeon will close the incision with sutures to promote healing.
What Is The Recovery Process Like?
The recovery process after wisdom teeth removal may take several days to a week. During this time, you may experience some swelling, pain, and bleeding. To promote healing and prevent complications, you should:
- Rest and avoid physical activity for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
- Apply ice packs to your cheeks to reduce swelling.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids.
- Take pain medication as prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon.
- Follow your dentist's instructions for wound care and oral hygiene.
Conclusion
Getting your wisdom teeth removed may seem daunting, but it's a common and safe procedure that can prevent a variety of problems. If you're experiencing pain or discomfort in your wisdom teeth, or if you're concerned about their impact on your oral health, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about the best course of action for your case.