8 Dental Issues to Know if You Don’t Remove Your Wisdom Teeth

If you’ve been putting off removing your wisdom teeth, you’re not alone. Many people delay this procedure because of fear, cost, or simply not knowing what might happen if they don’t. 

Have you ever heard of wisdom teeth before? They’re also called third molars that usually pop up when you’re between 17 and 25 years old. Some people are super lucky and don’t have any problems when their wisdom teeth come in. But in this blog, we’re going to talk about 8 big dental issues that can happen if you decide not to get your wisdom teeth removed. We want to give you all the info you need to make a smart choice about taking care of your teeth.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that don’t have enough room to emerge or develop normally. They can be partially or fully impacted, meaning they might be visible or hidden beneath the gum line.

Consequences of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

• Pain and Swelling: Impacted teeth can cause significant pain and swelling in the jaw and gums.
• Infection: The pressure and partial eruption can create pockets where bacteria thrive, leading to infections.
• Damage to Adjacent Teeth: The pressure from impacted wisdom teeth can damage neighboring teeth, leading to further dental complications.

Patients often experience relief after the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

Crowding and Alignment Issues

How Wisdom Teeth Cause Crowding

As wisdom teeth try to emerge, they can push against the surrounding teeth. This pressure can cause your teeth to shift, resulting in crowding. This is particularly problematic if you’ve previously had orthodontic work, as your teeth can shift back to their original misaligned positions.

Effects on Your Smile

• Misaligned Teeth: Crowded teeth are harder to clean and maintain.
• Aesthetics: Crowding can affect the appearance of your smile, leading to self-consciousness and potential social anxiety.

In Matthews, many of our patients opt for wisdom teeth removal to preserve the alignment of their teeth and maintain their beautiful smiles.

Cysts and Tumors

Understanding Dental Cysts and Tumors

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can form around impacted wisdom teeth. While they are usually benign, they can cause serious problems if left untreated. Tumors, although rarer, can also develop and can be either benign or malignant.

Risks Associated with Cysts and Tumors

• Jaw Damage: Cysts can hollow out your jawbone and damage nerves.
• Infection: Cysts and tumors can become infected, leading to pain and swelling.
• Complicated Surgeries: Removing cysts and tumors often requires more complex surgical procedures.

At our dental clinic, we recommend regular dental check-ups to monitor any potential cyst or tumor development, especially if you have impacted wisdom teeth.

Decay and Cavities

Difficulty in Cleaning

Wisdom teeth, due to their position at the back of the mouth, are notoriously difficult to clean properly. This can lead to the buildup of plaque and bacteria, causing decay and cavities.

Dental Health Impact

• Cavities: Untreated cavities can lead to tooth decay, pain, and potential tooth loss.
• Spreading Decay: Germs & bacteria in wisdom teeth can easily spread to adjacent teeth, compounding the problem.

Regular dental visits to our clinic in Matthews can help detect early signs of decay, but removal is often the best preventive measure.

Gum Disease

Link Between Wisdom Teeth and Gum Disease

Partially erupted wisdom teeth create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to gum disease. The flap of gum tissue over a partially erupted tooth can trap food particles and bacteria, causing infection and inflammation.

Consequences of Gum Disease

• Periodontitis: If left untreated, gum disease can progress to periodontitis, a severe gum infection that can damage soft tissue and bone.
• Tooth Loss: Advanced gum disease can lead to the loss of teeth.

At Dawson Modern Dentistry, we emphasize the importance of removing wisdom teeth to prevent gum disease and maintain overall oral health.

Sinus Problems

Connection Between Wisdom Teeth and Sinuses

Your upper wisdom teeth are located near your sinuses. When these teeth grow in, they can put pressure on your sinuses, leading to various issues.

Sinus-Related Symptoms

• Pain and Pressure: You may experience pain and pressure in your sinuses.
• Sinus Infections: The pressure can lead to recurrent sinus infections.

Damage Of Jaws

Structural Impact

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause cysts, which can hollow out the jawbone and damage surrounding structures.

Symptoms of Jaw Damage

• Stiffness and Pain: Persistent jaw pain and stiffness.
• Difficulty in Opening Mouth: In severe cases, cysts can cause significant damage, making it difficult to open your mouth.

Early removal of wisdom teeth at our clinic can prevent these severe complications and preserve the integrity of your jaw.

Chronic Pain

Ongoing Discomfort

Impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth can cause chronic pain. This pain can radiate to the jaw, ears, and head, leading to frequent headaches and migraines.

Impact on Quality of Life

• Sleep Disturbances: Chronic pain can affect your sleep quality.
• Daily Discomfort: Persistent discomfort can impact your daily activities and overall well-being.

Removing your wisdom teeth can alleviate chronic pain and improve your quality of life. Many patients at Dawson Modern Dentistry have reported significant relief following the procedure.

Localized Infection

Pericoronitis

Pericoronitis is an infection of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth. It’s a common issue that can cause severe pain and swelling.

Symptoms of Pericoronitis

• Severe Pain: Intense pain around the affected tooth.
• Swelling and Redness: Swollen and inflamed gums.
• Difficulty Swallowing: Swelling can make it difficult to swallow.

Regular dental visits can help manage symptoms, but removal is often the best long-term solution to prevent recurring infections.In the end, it’s safe to say that at Dawson Modern Dentistry, we prioritize your dental health and overall well-being. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that can prevent a host of serious dental issues. If you’re experiencing any of the outlined problems in this article or have been advised to remove your wisdom teeth, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us. Our expert team in Matthews, NC, is here to ensure you receive the best care possible.