4 Risks of Not Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed

You may have heard from others how wisdom tooth eruption is painful and disturbing. Their third moral isn’t popular at all since they usually can’t come in properly and become impacted. The time of this incident is between 17 and 25 years of age, and most have two of them on the top and two on the bottom. Sometimes, their eruption is smooth and causes no discomfort, but it’s not true in most cases. They tend to make your other teeth misaligned and lead to other oral wellness issues threatening your lovely smile.

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge, typically appearing in late adolescence or early adulthood. While some individuals may not experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, many face complications that necessitate removal. In this article, we will explore the reasons for wisdom teeth removal, the potential risks of keeping them, and the benefits of undergoing the procedure.

That’s why our Toronto dentists at Elmwood Park Dental provide the best wisdom tooth extraction services so more people can preserve their smiles. Unfortunately, some patients avoid removal since it’s a surgical procedure, and oral surgery is the last thing you want to hear from your dentist when you go to a dental clinic. It’s critical to understand what complications may happen if you leave those teeth alone and why removing them is always better than keeping them. Moreover, our sedation specialists offer the best relief methods in Toronto to make the procedure as painless as possible. Keep reading to learn about the 5 common consequences of keeping these third morals in your mouth.

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

Anthropologists believe that our ancestors needed these extra molars to help chew a diet that consisted of rough food like roots, nuts, and raw meat. With the advent of cooking and softer diets, these teeth have become largely unnecessary. As human jaws have evolved to become smaller, there is often insufficient space for these extra teeth, leading to a variety of dental issues.

Common Problems Caused by Wisdom Teeth

Impaction

One of the most common issues with wisdom teeth is impaction. This occurs when the teeth do not have enough room to emerge or develop normally. Impacted wisdom teeth can grow at various angles in the jaw, sometimes even horizontally.

Types of Impactions:

• Mesial Impaction: The tooth is angled forward, towards the front of the mouth.
• Vertical Impaction: The tooth does not break through the gum line but is positioned correctly.
• Horizontal Impaction: The tooth grows sideways, into the roots of the adjacent molar.
• Distal Impaction: The tooth is angled backward, towards the back of the mouth.

Crowding

When there is not enough space in the jaw, wisdom teeth can cause crowding of the other teeth. This can disrupt the alignment of your existing teeth, undoing the effects of orthodontic work and leading to an uneven smile.

Infection and Gum Disease

Partially erupted wisdom teeth create openings where bacteria can enter, leading to infections. This can result in pericoronitis, an inflammation of the gum tissue around the tooth. Additionally, the difficulty in cleaning these hard-to-reach areas can increase the risk of gum disease and cavities.

Cysts and Tumors

In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of cysts or tumors. A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can cause damage to the jawbone, teeth, and nerves. Though tumors associated with wisdom teeth are typically benign, they can still cause significant oral health issues and may require surgical intervention.

Why You Need to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

• Periodontal Disease

One of the most common complications is pericoronitis, which is an infection harming gum tissues around the impacted wisdom teeth. It can bring you awful dental well-being issues, and this infection can also spread all over your body.

Therefore, it’s considered a threat not only to your smile but also to your general wellness. It’s very important to receive our quality infection treatments in Toronto to preserve your shiny smile and then remove these teeth.

• Damaged Teeth

Most patients don’t have enough space in their mouths to have their wisdom teeth properly in place. Therefore, the process of eruption becomes so painful since those morals try to come in while there is no room for them.

It makes your other surrounding teeth crowded and misaligned, which is not good news, especially if you had braces before. In this case, it’s better to visit our experienced orthodontists in Toronto to find the best solution.

• Cysts

One of the most severe and scariest consequences is cysts, which form inside the sac within the jawbone near the wisdom teeth. It’s a very dangerous condition that should be handled by our professional Toronto oral surgeons or emergency dentists to save your oral health.

• Tooth Decay

If the infection starts to spread, it can make your wisdom teeth decay as well. It makes your case more complicated to resolve, and more complex procedures may be needed.

Our dentist may recommend our root canal services in Toronto for surrounding decayed teeth, but our Toronto surgical extraction is the only option when it comes to wisdom teeth themselves.

• Ulcers

Improperly merged wisdom teeth can cause ulcers in your mouth since they rub against your cheek. Although these wounds will fade away, you feel severe pain at that moment.

Read More: Top Tips for Quick Recovery after Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Prevention of Dental Issues

Removing wisdom teeth can prevent a host of dental problems, including impaction, infection, and crowding. This proactive approach helps maintain the alignment of your teeth and preserves the health of your gums and jawbone.

Reduction of Pain and Discomfort

Wisdom teeth can cause significant pain and discomfort, especially when they are impacted. Removing them can alleviate this pain and prevent future episodes of discomfort.

Improved Oral Hygiene

Wisdom teeth, particularly when partially erupted, are challenging to clean. By removing them, you can enhance your ability to maintain good oral hygiene, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease.

Avoidance of Future Complications

Removing wisdom teeth at a younger age can help you avoid more serious complications later in life. Younger patients tend to recover more quickly and with fewer risks of complications compared to older adults.

  Potential Risks and Complications

While wisdom teeth removal is generally safe, it is important to be aware of potential risks and complications, such as:

• Infection: Post-surgical infections can occur if bacteria enter the extraction site.
• Dry Socket: A painful condition where the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges or dissolves before the wound heals.
• Nerve Damage: Rarely, the procedure can result in temporary or permanent nerve damage, leading to numbness or tingling in the lips, tongue, or cheek.
• Sinus Issues: Upper wisdom teeth are close to the sinuses, and their removal can sometimes cause sinus problems.

Here’s how to prevent wisdom teeth from being infected through careful cleaning and check-ups.

Conclusion

Wisdom teeth removal is a common and often necessary procedure to prevent a wide range of dental issues. From preventing impaction and infection to maintaining proper alignment and oral hygiene, the benefits of removing wisdom teeth are substantial.

Still have questions about wisdom teeth before making a decision? Read our FAQ about wisdom teeth to get straightforward answers to the most common concerns patients have.

If you are experiencing problems with your wisdom teeth or are concerned about potential future complications, it is advisable to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon to determine the best course of action.

Visit our dentists for more information!