What happens if you don't get your wisdom teeth out | Sani Dental Group

When it comes to dental health, wisdom teeth often spark a lot of questions and concerns. These are also known as third molars and they are the last set of teeth to grow in, emerging in late adolescence or early adulthood. This set of teeth can sometimes create complications if left untreated. But what happens if you don’t get your wisdom teeth out?

Understanding the potential risks and consequences is crucial for making informed decisions about your oral health. Here, we’ll explore the common issues associated with untreated wisdom teeth, helping you recognize when it might be time to consult your dentist.

What are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do We Have Them?

Wisdom teeth are the third and last set of molars, located at the back of your mouth. When they are properly positioned, they support your mouth and help preserve bone density. However, most healthcare providers consider them unnecessary.

Our ancestors needed wisdom teeth to grind raw plants, hard nuts, and tough meats, but modern food preparation and utensils have made them less essential. Over time, our jaws have gone through evolutionary changes making our jaws become smaller, this is why many people do not have enough space for their wisdom teeth.

Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In

According to the Cleveland Clinic, some signs that your wisdom teeth are emerging include:

• Redness or swelling in the gums behind your last molars.
• Jaw pain.
• Facial pain.

You may see white flecks behind your last molars, which are likely the tops of your new teeth breaking through your gums.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult your dentist promptly. Ignoring these signs could lead to further complications.

So, what if you don’t get your wisdom teeth removed? Let’s delve into the risks and consequences of delaying or avoiding wisdom tooth extraction.

Common Issues with Wisdom Teeth

Crowding and Misalignment

As third molars emerge, they often lack sufficient space in the mouth, leading to overcrowding. This overcrowding can cause the wisdom teeth to push against the adjacent teeth, affecting their alignment.

Consequently, misalignment may occur, causing crooked teeth, bite problems, and jaw discomfort.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Another common issue with wisdom teeth is impaction, when the teeth do not fully erupt through the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to various complications, including pain, infection, and damage to the surrounding teeth and bone.

There are different types of impacted wisdom teeth, which include:

• Mesial impaction: This is the most common type and it happens when the wisdom tooth is angled toward the front of the mouth.

• Distal impaction: This is the rarest type and happens when the wisdom tooth is angled toward the back of the mouth.

• Vertical impaction: Happens when the wisdom tooth is in the correct position, but it’s still trapped beneath the gums.

• Horizontal impaction: This is when the wisdom tooth is completely on its side and trapped beneath the gums, often resulting very painful.

Consequences of Not Removing Wisdom Teeth

Pain and Discomfort

Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can cause persistent pain, soreness, and discomfort, affecting your daily activities and quality of life.

Cyst Formation and Jaw Damage

Retained wisdom teeth may lead to cyst formation around them, if not treated they can cause jaw bone destruction and nerve damage.

Cavities

Cavities can develop when gums swell, creating pockets between teeth where bacteria thrive and lead to decay.

Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

During the procedure, you will be provided with anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain. Then, the oral surgeon will start by cutting the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone.

After that, they will remove bone to access the tooth root and may divide the tooth into sections if it's easier to remove in pieces.

The tooth will be removed and the site will be cleaned to get rid of any debris from the tooth or bone. 

The surgeon will close the wound with stitches so it can heal better if necessary. A gauze will be placed over the site to control bleeding.

After the Procedure

Following the procedure, it’s essential to follow your dentist’s instructions to ensure proper healing. Some aspects to consider are:

Pain Management

You can manage pain with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. If bone was removed, prescription pain medicine might be necessary. Holding an ice pack against your jaw can also alleviate pain.

Hygiene

Do not brush your teeth, rinse your mouth, sit, or use mouthwash in the first 24 hours. After that, gently brush your teeth, avoiding the surgical area.

Food

Knowing what to eat after wisdom teeth removal is crucial. Stick to soft foods, such as yogurt or applesauce, for the first 24 hours. Gradually go back to somewhat soft foods as tolerated.

Avoid hard, chewy, hot, or spicy foods that could irritate the wound. For specific guidance on foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal, consult your attending dentist.

Where to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Getting your wisdom teeth removed abroad in Mexico is an increasingly popular option for many due to its affordability and quality care. Many people seek dental procedures in this country because it is considered the best place to get your teeth done abroad, offering top-notch dental services.

One common question is “how much does it cost to remove wisdom teeth?” In Mexico, the cost is significantly lower, often ranging from 150 USD to 300 USD per tooth, depending on the complexity of the extraction.

So why not come to Mexico for dental care? Get your wisdom teeth removed and improve your oral health today!