What Happens If Wisdom Teeth Are Not Removed: Potential Risks Explained 

Nearly 85% of adults face complications with their wisdom teeth that require removal. These third molars can cause problems ranging from mild discomfort to serious dental issues. Infections, misaligned teeth, and damage to neighboring teeth are common consequences when patients delay removal. 

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth extracted. However, patients should understand the reasons behind wisdom teeth removal to make better decisions about their dental health. Most people’s wisdom teeth emerge between ages 17 and 25. Untreated wisdom teeth problems often result in complex dental procedures later. 

Understanding Impacted Wisdom Teeth Risks 

Wisdom teeth become problematic when these third molars can’t break through the gums properly. Modern humans have smaller jaws that often don’t have enough room to let wisdom teeth emerge naturally. 

These are the four main types of wisdom teeth impaction: 

• Mesial impaction: The tooth points toward the front of the mouth, making it the most common type 

• Vertical impaction: The tooth stays trapped below the gums even though it’s positioned correctly 

• Horizontal impaction: The tooth grows completely sideways beneath the gums and often causes severe pain 

• Distal impaction: The tooth angles toward the mouth’s back, making it the least common type 

Trapped wisdom teeth create gaps between teeth where food and bacteria get stuck. This leads to decay and infection over time. These teeth might develop fluid-filled sacs called dentigerous cysts that can harm the jawbone and nearby structures. Some rare cases see tumors forming around these trapped teeth, which need extensive surgery to remove. 

Pressure from these trapped teeth can harm the nearby molars. Root resorption might occur, which weakens healthy teeth’s roots. Partially emerged wisdom teeth pose a constant infection risk because their awkward position makes cleaning almost impossible. This results in pericoronitis – painful swelling of the surrounding gum tissue. 

Infection and Disease Complications 

Untreated wisdom teeth pose serious health risks that affect both oral health and overall wellbeing. These teeth create ideal conditions at the back of your mouth where bacteria thrive and cause various dental problems. 

Pericoronitis, a common infection of partially erupted wisdom teeth, happens because bacteria get trapped under the gum’s surface. People between ages 20-29 face this condition most often. The infection shows up with these distinct symptoms: 

• Severe pain and swelling around the affected tooth 

• Difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing 

• Bad taste and unpleasant breath 

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck 

• Fever and general discomfort 

Your wisdom teeth’s location makes them easy targets for cavity formation. Bacteria and food particles get stuck in these hard-to-reach spots and create the perfect environment for decay-causing bacteria. Dental research shows that cavities cause about 15% of third molar extractions. 

These infections spread beyond the tooth area if left unchecked. The infection might reach your jawbone and surrounding tissues. In rare but dangerous cases, it enters the bloodstream and causes sepsis, which threatens life. Your jaw might also develop dental cysts around infected wisdom teeth. These cysts can weaken the jawbone and damage nearby teeth’s roots. 

Dental monitoring is a vital part of prevention because these infections develop slowly without obvious signs. Treatment usually needs both antibiotics and tooth removal to stop the infection from coming back. 

Impact on Dental Alignment 

Research has debunked the old belief that wisdom teeth cause dental crowding. These third molars might create pressure in your mouth, but their effect on tooth alignment isn’t as straightforward as we once thought. 

Scientists now know that teeth naturally move forward throughout our lives. This happens whether you have wisdom teeth or not. The process, known as mesial drift, happens as the space between lower canine teeth naturally gets smaller over time. Your teeth’s position depends on several key factors: 

• The way your teeth were originally positioned and shaped 

• How your jaw grows and changes 

• The pressure from your tongue and lips 

• Natural changes that come with aging 

People might notice small changes in their bite after wisdom teeth removal. This happens because taking out these teeth lets bite forces spread more evenly across the remaining teeth. These shifts are usually minor and won’t lead to major alignment problems or gaps. 

Wisdom teeth’s role in dental alignment still matters when making dental health choices. Taking them out won’t stop your teeth from shifting as you age. You might still need them removed if they become impacted or create alignment problems because your jaw is too small. 

Wisdom teeth can seriously harm your dental health if left untreated. These third molars often cause impaction, infections, and problems with nearby teeth when not removed. About 85% of adults face complications with their wisdom teeth, which makes monitoring and early treatment crucial for maintaining healthy teeth. 

The problems go well beyond just feeling uncomfortable. Impacted wisdom teeth often lead to serious issues like pericoronitis, cavities, and cysts. These teeth create ideal spots where bacteria thrive and cause infections that can spread to other areas. Your bite patterns might change and put pressure on other teeth, even though wisdom teeth don’t directly cause crowding. 

A dentist’s evaluation will help decide the right approach for your wisdom teeth. The best treatment plan depends on your jaw space, tooth position, and overall dental health. You can book an appointment at Medora Dental Care to get individual-specific advice about wisdom tooth removal and detailed dental care. Regular checkups and quick action will help you avoid serious complications and keep your mouth healthy. 

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