At Sleek Dental, we understand that having your wisdom teeth removed might not sound like the most appealing thing on your to-do list. But if you have impacted wisdom teeth and choose to leave them untreated, there can be serious consequences for your oral and overall health. In this article, we’ll break down exactly what can happen if impacted wisdom teeth are left alone and why timely intervention can save you a lot of pain, time, and money down the road.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. In many cases, there simply isn’t enough room in the mouth for them to emerge properly. When these teeth are blocked by other teeth or remain trapped beneath the gum line, they are considered “impacted.” This impaction can be partial (partially erupted) or complete (fully trapped below the gums or bone).
Why Impacted Wisdom Teeth Are a Problem
Leaving impacted wisdom teeth untreated can lead to a host of complications. Even if they aren’t causing pain right now, that doesn’t mean they won’t cause damage later. Below are some of the most common risks associated with not removing impacted wisdom teeth:
- Infection: Partially erupted teeth can create pockets where bacteria thrive, leading to painful gum infections or pericoronitis.
- Crowding: Impacted wisdom teeth can push against neighboring teeth, causing alignment issues and undoing years of orthodontic work.
- Cysts and Tumors: A fluid-filled sac called a cyst can form around the impacted tooth, potentially damaging bone, nerves, and nearby teeth. In rare cases, tumors can also develop.
- Decay: Wisdom teeth are hard to reach, making them more prone to cavities. Impacted teeth can also cause adjacent molars to decay due to trapped food and bacteria.
- Jaw Pain and Stiffness: The pressure from impacted teeth can lead to chronic jaw pain and limit your ability to open your mouth fully.
Let’s Dive Deeper into the Complications
Each of these issues may seem manageable on its own, but over time, they can build up into more serious oral health problems. Let’s explore how these complications can affect you long-term.
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Chronic Infection and Gum Disease: Impacted wisdom teeth can trap food and bacteria, leading to chronic infections. One of the most common issues is pericoronitis, an infection of the soft tissue around the tooth. It can cause swelling, pain, and difficulty chewing or swallowing. Left untreated, it may spread beyond your mouth and into your neck or bloodstream, resulting in severe systemic issues.
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Tooth Crowding and Orthodontic Relapse: If you’ve had braces or aligners to straighten your teeth, impacted wisdom teeth can compromise your investment. As they try to erupt, they exert pressure on adjacent molars, pushing them out of alignment. This can result in crooked teeth and bite problems, which may require more orthodontic treatment to correct.
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Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Wisdom teeth don’t just disturb alignment—they can also physically damage nearby molars. The constant pressure can erode enamel, increase the risk of decay, and even lead to root resorption, which is the gradual loss of the root structure of adjacent teeth. This damage can be irreversible and may require root canals or extractions of otherwise healthy teeth.
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Cyst Formation and Bone Loss: One of the more serious risks of untreated impacted wisdom teeth is the formation of cysts. These fluid-filled sacs can develop around the crown of the impacted tooth and may expand over time. As they grow, they can destroy jawbone, damage nerves, and even displace teeth. Surgical removal becomes more complicated once cysts form and bone loss occurs.
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Increased Risk of Tooth Decay: Because of their location in the very back of your mouth, wisdom teeth are tough to clean properly. This makes them prime candidates for decay. Worse, their awkward angle can cause them to push against neighboring molars, leading to cavities between teeth. Even daily brushing and flossing might not be enough to keep them clean.
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TMJ Pain and Headaches: Wisdom teeth can contribute to tension in your jaw, particularly if they’re trying to emerge in the wrong position. This pressure can irritate the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to stiffness, clicking, and even headaches or facial pain. In some cases, jaw mobility may be reduced.
Why Early Removal Is Often the Best Option
Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed, but impacted ones usually do. The earlier they’re addressed, the less complex the surgery and recovery. Younger patients tend to heal faster and experience fewer complications. At Sleek Dental, we closely evaluate your wisdom teeth using digital X-rays and determine the best course of action based on your age, health, and dental anatomy.
Are There Any Situations Where You Can Keep Impacted Teeth?
In rare cases, if the impacted tooth is completely enclosed in bone, isn’t causing any symptoms, and shows no sign of damaging nearby structures, a dentist may recommend monitoring rather than removing it. But this decision should be made with professional guidance and regular check-ups to ensure the situation doesn’t change over time.
When Should You See a Dentist?
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to schedule an appointment:
- Pain or tenderness in the back of your mouth
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Difficulty opening your jaw
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
- Shifting or crowding of your teeth
Protect Your Smile with Sleek Dental
Impacted wisdom teeth might not seem urgent at first, but left untreated, they can lead to long-term dental issues that are painful, expensive, and difficult to reverse. At Sleek Dental, we take a proactive approach to dental care, offering expert evaluations and surgical referrals when necessary. Don’t wait for the pain to tell you something’s wrong, contact us today to schedule your wisdom teeth evaluation.