5 Problems that Can Occur if You Don’t Take Your Wisdom Teeth Out
Wisdom teeth may need to be removed for many different reasons, including discomfort, infection, and growth complications. While not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, those who do should consult with a dentist to have them extracted.
As a trusted provider of wisdom teeth extraction, our Boston, MA, dentists have put together some of the most common problems that can occur if you don’t take your wisdom teeth out.
The Dangers of Not Removing Wisdom Teeth
1. Overcrowding
The primary reason most people have their wisdom teeth removed is because there’s not enough room in their mouth for them. If you don’t have adequate space and the wisdom teeth aren’t extracted, it can lead to overcrowding and crooked teeth.
2. Impaction
Not having your wisdom teeth removed when they need to be can result in them becoming impacted. When teeth erupt from your gums in any other position besides fully upright (e.g., fully or partially buried in your gums or in your jawbone), they are considered impacted. This can lead to various problems, including decay, gum disease, and misalignment issues.
3. Pericoronitis
If your wisdom teeth don’t push fully through your gums, it can lead to a bacterial infection called pericoronitis, or inflammation of the gum tissue around your wisdom teeth. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include everything from bad breath to facial swelling.
4. Risk of a Cyst
If a sac next to your wisdom tooth becomes full of fluid, it can cause damage to roots and surrounding bone and soft tissue. If left unaddressed, the cyst can become more severe and develop into a tumor.
5. Sinus Pain
As wisdom teeth grow in, their roots can place pressure on maxillary sinuses, which are located on either side of your nose. Therefore, issues with wisdom teeth can lead to problems beyond the mouth including sinus pain or pressure, nasal discharge, and congestion.
When Don’t Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth may not need to be removed if they are:
- Healthy
- Fully erupted and positioned correctly for your bite
- Able to be effectively cleaned as part of your oral hygiene routine
The best way to determine if your wisdom teeth need to be removed is to get in touch with a trusted dentist as soon as possible. Our Boston dentists will be able to determine the root cause of any pain you may be experiencing.
Contact Our Practice Today
Wisdom teeth are typically only removed if they cause problems or are on track to in the future. If you suspect it’s time for your wisdom teeth to be removed, don’t wait for the issues discussed above to take a toll on your day-to-day and your overall health; turn to a trusted dentist to give you the treatment you need. For more information about wisdom tooth removal, or any other kind of dental procedure, get in touch with our Boston practice today.