Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars at the back of your mouth. These teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25, but not everyone develops them, and those who do may face a range of problems. The decision of whether or not to remove a wisdom tooth can be complex, as it depends on a variety of factors, including the tooth’s alignment, the size of your jaw, and overall oral health.
While some people have no issues with their wisdom teeth, others may need to have them removed to prevent or address complications. In this article, we will explore what happens if wisdom teeth are not removed, the potential risks, and why you may need to consider removal.
Why Wisdom Teeth Need Attention
Before diving into the risks, it’s important to understand why wisdom teeth are often the subject of concern. These teeth were useful to our ancestors who had larger jaws and needed them for grinding plant material. Over time, however, human jaws have become smaller, leaving less room for wisdom teeth. As a result, wisdom teeth may become impacted, meaning they do not emerge properly through the gums, leading to several potential problems.
In cases where wisdom teeth do not cause pain or infection, some people opt to leave them in place. However, for many, leaving these teeth untouched can lead to serious oral health issues. Below, we will look at what can happen if wisdom teeth are not removed when necessary.
1. Impaction and Misalignment
The most common problem associated with wisdom teeth is impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth do not have enough space to emerge properly or may grow at odd angles. This can lead to a variety of dental issues:
Crowding of Other Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can push against adjacent teeth, causing misalignment and overcrowding. This can affect your bite and the overall appearance of your smile, making it harder to maintain good oral hygiene.
Damage to Nearby Teeth: If a wisdom tooth is positioned incorrectly, it can place pressure on nearby molars, potentially leading to damage. The pressure can also cause these teeth to shift, exacerbating alignment issues.
Discomfort: When wisdom teeth become impacted, they can cause pain and discomfort. You may experience swelling, tenderness, and even an aching sensation in the jaw.
2. Infection and Gum Disease
One of the significant risks of leaving wisdom teeth untreated is the increased likelihood of infections. Impacted wisdom teeth can partially emerge through the gums, leaving a small flap of gum tissue that can trap food and bacteria. This can lead to:
Pericoronitis: This is an infection of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth. It can cause pain, swelling, and bad breath. In severe cases, pericoronitis can lead to the formation of an abscess (a pus-filled pocket) in the gum.
Cavities and Tooth Decay: Wisdom teeth that are difficult to clean due to their location at the back of the mouth are more susceptible to cavities and decay. Since these teeth are harder to reach with a toothbrush and floss, bacteria can easily build up, leading to cavities or decay. If left untreated, this can result in severe damage to the tooth.
Gum Disease: Impacted wisdom teeth can make it more difficult to clean your back teeth properly, which can contribute to the development of gum disease. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, can cause red, swollen gums, while periodontitis (a more advanced form) can cause gum recession, loose teeth, and bone loss.
3. Cyst Formation
A cyst is a sac-like pocket filled with fluid that can form around an impacted wisdom tooth. These cysts can cause significant damage if left untreated:
Destruction of Jawbone: A cyst can cause the surrounding jawbone to weaken and deteriorate, potentially leading to bone loss. In severe cases, the cyst may need to be surgically removed, and reconstructive procedures may be necessary to restore the jawbone.
Damage to Nerves: In rare cases, a cyst can damage nearby nerves, which can result in numbness or tingling in the gums, lips, or chin.
4. Increased Risk of Tooth Abscesses
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms when a bacterial infection occurs in the tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth can increase the likelihood of developing an abscess, as bacteria can accumulate in the area due to the difficulty of cleaning the tooth properly. The symptoms of a tooth abscess include:
- Severe, throbbing pain in the affected area
- Swelling of the gums or face
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing (in severe cases)
An abscessed tooth often requires immediate medical attention and treatment, including drainage of the infection and sometimes a root canal or extraction of the tooth.
5. Damage to Adjacent Teeth
When wisdom teeth become impacted, they can put pressure on the adjacent molars. Over time, this pressure can cause damage to the neighboring teeth. The increased force can lead to:
Cracked or Broken Teeth: If the wisdom tooth grows in a direction that presses against another tooth, it can cause cracks or fractures in the surrounding teeth.
Shifting of Teeth: As wisdom teeth push against the other molars, they can cause these teeth to shift. This can undo any previous orthodontic work or cause alignment issues, resulting in a misaligned bite.
6. Difficulty Maintaining Oral Hygiene
Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them harder to clean. As a result, food particles and plaque can accumulate more easily around these teeth. Poor oral hygiene in this area can lead to:
Plaque Buildup: The buildup of plaque around wisdom teeth can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Even with regular brushing, it is difficult to reach the back corners of the mouth, and neglecting these areas can contribute to further oral health problems.
Increased Risk of Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and can develop when plaque accumulates around the wisdom teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to more severe forms of gum disease that affect the overall health of your teeth and gums.
7. Chronic Pain
Even if your wisdom teeth are not visibly causing any issues, they can still lead to chronic pain. The constant pressure from an impacted wisdom tooth can result in:
Ongoing Jaw Pain: If the wisdom teeth are impacted or pushing against other teeth, they can cause pain in the jaw, particularly when chewing or talking.
Headaches: The discomfort caused by misaligned or impacted wisdom teeth can lead to tension headaches or migraines.
8. Long-Term Complications
If wisdom teeth are not removed, the complications mentioned above can worsen over time. For example, an untreated infection in the gums or around the wisdom tooth can spread to other parts of the body, including the sinuses or the bloodstream, leading to more serious conditions such as:
Sinus Problems: Some people with impacted upper wisdom teeth may experience sinus problems, including pressure, pain, and congestion.
This occurs when the teeth put pressure on the sinus cavity.
Systemic Infections: An untreated abscess or infection from wisdom teeth can spread, potentially leading to more severe, life-threatening infections in the body.
Conclusion
While wisdom teeth may not always cause immediate pain or complications, leaving them in place without addressing any potential issues can lead to a variety of oral health problems. These range from infections and misalignment to more severe complications such as cysts, abscesses, and bone loss. If you are experiencing discomfort or suspect your wisdom teeth may be impacted, it’s important to consult with a dental professional. By addressing these concerns early on, you can prevent more serious issues down the road and maintain optimal oral health.
