Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. However, due to lack of space in the jaws, these teeth often become impacted, meaning they don’t fully emerge or grow in the correct position.
Ignoring an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to several consequences that can affect your oral health and overall wellbeing. Here’s what can happen if you don’t remove or seek treatment for impacted wisdom teeth.
Dental Pain and Discomfort
One of the primary symptoms of an impacted wisdom tooth is pain and discomfort in the back of the mouth [1]. The impacted tooth can put pressure on the surrounding teeth, gums, and even the jawbone. This can result in throbbing pain, tenderness, and difficulty in opening the mouth properly. Ignoring this pain can lead to chronic discomfort and even affect your ability to eat and speak properly.
Infections and Abscesses
When an impacted wisdom tooth partially emerges or remains hidden below the gumline, it creates space where food particles and bacteria can accumulate [2]. This area is difficult to clean, and the buildup of food particles, plaque, and bacteria can result in the formation of an infection or abscess.
Common signs of infected wisdom teeth or the surrounding gum tissue include swelling, redness, pus discharge, and a foul taste in the mouth. Ignoring these signs can allow the infection to spread and cause complications such as facial swelling, fever, and even severe systemic infections if left untreated.
Gum Disease
Impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to gum disease, also known as periodontal disease [3]. When the wisdom tooth presses against the neighboring teeth or gums, it creates a trap for bacteria and plaque buildup. This can lead to inflammation, gum recession, and the development of gum pockets where more bacteria can accumulate. If left untreated, gum disease can progress, causing loss of gum tissue, bone, and eventually tooth loss.
Dental Crowding
Another consequence of ignoring an impacted wisdom tooth is dental crowding. If the wisdom teeth don’t have enough space to grow in, they may exert pressure on the adjacent teeth, causing them to shift position or become misaligned.
This can lead to overcrowding, crooked teeth, and jaw pain. If you have previously had orthodontic work, impacted wisdom teeth can shift your teeth out of alignment, and orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct the problem and restore your appearance.
Cysts and Tumors
In rare cases, an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to the development of cysts or tumors. These growths usually form around the impacted tooth and can cause significant damage to the jawbone, nearby teeth, and nerves [4]. Detecting and treating these oral pathologies early on is crucial to prevent severe oral health complications.
Do Impacted Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Every patient is different. While most people will need to have their impacted wisdom teeth removed, some people may be able to leave them [5]. Regular monitoring by a dentist or oral surgeon is essential to assess the positioning and potential risks associated with impacted wisdom teeth. If your dentist recommends removal, it’s advisable to follow their advice to prevent potential complications.
Are Your Wisdom Teeth Impacted?
If you have an impacted wisdom tooth or teeth, don’t ignore the problem. It’s crucial to seek the guidance of a dental professional to protect your smile. Timely intervention and appropriate treatment can help prevent further oral health issues and keep your smile healthy and pain-free!
Sources:
1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/188660#symptoms
2. https://www.ada.org/sitecore/content/ADA-Organization/ADA/MouthHealthy/home/all-topics-a-z/wisdom-teeth?sc_lang=en
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3386422/
4. https://www.aaoms.org/images/uploads/pdfs/Ebook_Wisdom_Teeth_R.pdf
5. https://www.nature.com/articles/sj.bdj.2009.804
