It is common for people to undergo wisdom tooth removal when they are in their late teens or early adulthood. In fact, in some circles, this procedure is regarded as something of a rite of passage. It is especially recommended in cases where the wisdom teeth are fully or partially impacted (stuck beneath the gumline). But what if you choose not to remove your impacted wisdom teeth? What dangers and risks might you face? This blog post explains what you should know.
Gum Disease
Gum disease occurs when bacteria infect the gum tissue. In its early stages, it causes inflammation, mild bleeding, and bad breath. As it progresses, it can lead to tooth loss and increase the risk of numerous systemic health conditions.
If a wisdom tooth is partially impacted, it can be easy for food to become trapped around it. Plaque can form, and eventually, the bacteria in the plaque may invade the gum tissue and cause gum disease.
Cavities
Wisdom teeth are located at the very back of the mouth, so they are not always easy to clean. They are especially challenging to clean if they are growing in at an odd angle or partially stuck beneath the gums. Bacteria could easily collect around them or on their chewing surfaces. As a result, cavities may form. As the decay worsens, it can lead to extreme sensitivity and discomfort. In some cases, decay can open the door for a severe tooth infection, an intense toothache, dental abscesses, and even systemic illness.
Damage to Nearby Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth have the potential to negatively affect nearby dentition in a couple of ways:
- When the wisdom teeth accumulate bacteria and food particles, that can cause cavities and infections in the neighboring molars
- If your mouth does not have room for your wisdom teeth to properly erupt, they may attempt to emerge from your gums at an odd angle. They could push against nearby teeth, causing pain and possibly affecting your bite.
Cysts and Tumors
In rare cases, cysts and/or noncancerous tumors form in the tissue around impacted wisdom teeth. This can cause quite a bit of pain, especially if a cyst or tumor is placing pressure on nearby nerves.
Protecting Yourself
Not everyone needs to get their wisdom teeth removed, but most people do. If your dentist recommends this procedure for you, it would be in your best interests to comply with their advice!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Hamid Ranjbaran of Southwest Dental is an experienced, extensively educated dentist who is proud to serve the Rio Rancho community. He is even able to offer sedation for complex procedures, including wisdom tooth removal. If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth or have other questions about your oral health, he and our team would be pleased to serve you. Contact our office at 505-896-9399.