If wisdom teeth are not treated, they can cause a wide range of dental and oral health problems. These can include overcrowding of teeth, misalignment, pain and inflammation, infections and gum disease, cysts, and nerve damage.
In severe cases, an untreated wisdom tooth can lead to tumors or abscesses in the jawbone, causing irreparable damage and potential disfigurement. Not to mention, poor hygiene and cavities, leading to greater and more expensive dental care procedures down the line.
In the end, failing to treat the wisdom teeth can result in irreversible damage that could have easily been avoided.
What happens if I leave my wisdom tooth untreated?
If your wisdom tooth is left untreated, the consequences can be severe. To begin with, you may experience pain and discomfort which can range from a dull ache to a severe throbbing sensation. As the tooth and the surrounding tissue become inflamed, it can lead to an infection in the area.
This can lead to further pain and swelling and if it is not treated with antibiotics, it can spread and become a serious medical problem.
Furthermore, the pressure created by the wisdom tooth can interfere with the alignment of the other teeth and cause them to crowd together. If left untreated, the teeth may start to shift and become crooked.
The overcrowding can also cause decay and infections of the teeth and gums, as well as serious periodontal diseases.
Wisdom teeth can also lead to cysts or small pockets of infection that can cause significant damage to the jawbone and the roots of the surrounding teeth. If these are left untreated, they can cause severe damage to the jawbone.
The best way to prevent these serious problems is to get your wisdom teeth removed before they cause any major health issues.
How long can you live with wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth can remain in the mouth for your entire life if they are healthy, properly aligned, and do not need any treatment. However, if wisdom teeth cause problems such as pain, overcrowding, or infection, they may need to be removed.
The removal of wisdom teeth is recommended in many cases and is typically done by an oral surgeon. The time it takes to recover from wisdom tooth removal depends on the individual and their body. Most people find that the recovery process is complete within a few days.
It is important to follow the instructions provided by the oral surgeon in order to aid the healing process and prevent any potential complications.
Can I just let my wisdom teeth grow in?
No, it is generally recommended that wisdom teeth be removed when they start to make their appearance. This can help prevent infections and other complications. The wisdom teeth are located in the back of the mouth, which can make them difficult to access and clean.
This can lead to the buildup of plaque and debris which increases the potential for bacteria to grow. Additionally, if left to grow, the wisdom teeth can cause pain and discomfort as well as shifting of other teeth.
If left untreated, these issues can lead to more serious problems. It is recommended to visit a dentist for a professional evaluation and to determine if removal is necessary for your individual case.
What are signs you need your wisdom teeth pulled?
If you are experiencing any of the following signs, it may be time to have your wisdom teeth pulled:
1. Pain or Pressure near the back of your mouth – Many people with impacted wisdom teeth experience pain in the area near the wisdom teeth. The pain can range from mild to extremely uncomfortable. This can also manifest as pressure that affects the area near your wisdom teeth, such as headaches or facial swelling.
If you are experiencing either pain or pressure near the back of your mouth, it is likely a sign that your wisdom teeth need to be removed.
2. Difficulty Opening Your Mouth – Difficulty opening your mouth widely may indicate that there is a problem with your wisdom teeth. This could be caused by the wisdom teeth growing in at an awkward angle and pressing against the other teeth in your mouth.
3. Unusual Bad Breath – Though bad breath can have many causes, it can also be a sign that your wisdom teeth are not erupting normally and need to be removed. If your usual oral hygiene routine does not seem to be improving your bad breath, you may want to see your dentist to see if wisdom teeth removal is necessary.
4. Frequent Bleeding Gums – Gums that tend to bleed easily around your back teeth may be a sign that your wisdom teeth are erupting abnormally or that they have become infected.
5. Jaw or Facial Swelling – Swelling around your lower jaw or the sides of your face is not normal, and could be a sign of an impacted wisdom tooth. This swelling can often be accompanied by pain in the affected area.
If you experience any of the above signs, it is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to help diagnose the problem and discuss your treatment options, including wisdom teeth removal.
Can I keep my wisdom teeth if they don’t hurt?
It is possible to keep your wisdom teeth if they are not causing pain. However, it is recommended to have wisdom teeth removed promptly for a few reasons. Even if wisdom teeth don’t cause pain, they are often hard to clean and can become affected by cavities or other dental problems.
Wisdom teeth can also cause crowding of other teeth or problems with the jaw joint and chewing muscles, leading to dental issues such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Even if they are not causing any pain, some dentists suggest to get them extracted as a precautionary measure in order to reduce the potential of future problems and to avoid complicated procedures in the future.
It is important to discuss with your dentist if keeping your wisdom teeth is the best decision. Your dentist will be able to advise on the best course of action based on the individual’s oral health.
How do you know if your wisdom teeth are rotting?
If you believe your wisdom teeth may be rotting, you should seek professional medical advice from your dentist or medical provider. Rotting wisdom teeth can be identified through a clinical exam, often with the use of X-rays or other imaging techniques.
Common symptoms that may indicate rotting wisdom teeth include pain, swelling, visible decay along the gum line, bad breath, or facial swelling. It is important to visit a dental professional right away if any of these symptoms are present in order to treat the problem and prevent any further decay or infection.
During the exam, your dentist will inspect the teeth for visible signs of decay, as well as evaluate any gum inflammation or signs that an infection may be present in the surrounding tissue. Depending on the severity of the condition, the dentist may recommend treatment ranging from antibiotics to tooth extraction.
What triggers wisdom teeth to grow?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. They are the last teeth to develop and usually come in behind the permanent (second) molars.
Their growth is triggered by the release of the hormone, calcitonin, which is produced in the thyroid gland. Calcitonin signals to young cells in the jawbone, specifically osteoblasts, to start forming new bone.
This new bone forms around the developing wisdom tooth, pushing it out of the gums and into the oral cavity.
Once exposed, wisdom teeth must be monitored and cared for to keep them healthy. If they don’t erupt properly or become impacted, they can cause pain or damage to nearby teeth, which can lead to crowding or infection.
In some cases, wisdom teeth must be removed.
Why you should keep your wisdom teeth?
Your wisdom teeth are the last four molars (the four teeth at the back of your mouth on either side), and they typically appear between the ages of 17 and 24. Keeping your wisdom teeth isn’t always the best option, as they can cause a variety of dental and medical issues.
However, it is generally beneficial to keep your wisdom teeth if they erupt correctly and are healthy, as they can help improve your overall oral health.
Your wisdom teeth are the last molars to develop, and they usually come in between the ages of 17 and 24. Keeping your wisdom teeth can help maintain the natural alignment of your teeth, and also provide additional space for your other teeth.
This helps you to chew and bite better, and can also reduce the amount of stress placed on your other molars and teeth.
You can help protect your wisdom teeth by practicing a good oral hygiene routine, and visiting your dentist regularly. Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day to keep your gums and teeth healthy, and floss once a day to remove any bacteria stuck between your teeth.
Additionally, get regular check-ups with your dentist so they can detect any potential problems before they start.
Overall, it’s important to keep your wisdom teeth if they are healthy, as they can help improve your overall oral health. Practice a good oral hygiene routine, and visit your dentist regularly to make sure they remain healthy and problem-free.
If you are experiencing issues with your wisdom teeth, speak to your dentist to discuss the best course of action.
How long should you stay home after getting wisdom teeth pulled?
In general, it is recommended that you stay home for at least 24 hours after having your wisdom teeth removed. This is to give your body time to rest and begin the healing process. It is important to feel comfortable before you go out, so it is also recommended that you wait at least 48 hours before engaging in any activities that might require physical exertion.
For the best possible recovery, it is recommended that you wait a full 7-10 days before resuming your normal routine.
It is also very important to properly care for the extraction site. Your dentist or oral surgeon may give you instructions to follow. In general, it is important to keep the area clean and to rest as much as possible.
In addition, try to avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, brushing around the extraction site, and participating in any activities that involve jarring movements like jumping or running. Following your dentist’s advice, and listening to your body, will help ensure a successful, safe recovery.
What if my wisdom teeth are coming in but don’t hurt?
If you notice that your wisdom teeth are coming in, but they don’t hurt, this is not necessarily cause for alarm. In some cases, wisdom teeth come in without causing any pain or oral discomfort. In fact, it’s quite common for wisdom teeth to erupt without any pain or noticeable symptoms.
However, even if your wisdom teeth aren’t causing you pain, it’s important to schedule a dental visit with your dentist to make sure there are no complications. In some cases, wisdom teeth may come in without pain initially, but may interfere with surrounding teeth or cause other problems later on.
Additionally, wisdom teeth that aren’t causing pain can still be prone to cavities and other serious dental conditions. A dentist will be able to assess the position of your wisdom teeth and determine the best course of action for your individual needs.
This may include regular oral hygiene practices, extractions, or even wearing a retainer to ensure that your other teeth stay in their correct positions.
In short, even if your wisdom teeth are coming in without any pain or discomfort, it’s important to visit your dentist to have them checked and make sure there are no potential problems.
Is it OK to leave wisdom teeth in?
Yes, it is generally OK to leave wisdom teeth in, although your dentist may recommend having them removed if they become impacted or if there is potential for them to cause issues, such as pain or infection.
Wisdom teeth are the last of your molar teeth to break through your gums. Depending on your oral health and the positioning of your wisdom teeth, leaving them in can be beneficial. If your wisdom teeth are properly positioned and healthy, scraping away the plaque and tartar buildup during regular oral hygiene can help keep them healthy as you age.
However, if your wisdom teeth are impacted or have the potential to cause overcrowding or problems with your other teeth, your dentist may recommend having them removed. Before having surgery to have wisdom teeth removed, the dentist may request an X-ray of your teeth and jaws to determine the best course of action.
How much does it cost to get your wisdom teeth removed without insurance?
The cost to have your wisdom teeth removed without insurance can vary significantly depending on where you live and what type of work is necessary for your case. Generally speaking, wisdom teeth removal can range from $75 to $250 per tooth.
Your total cost will also depend on the number of wisdom teeth you need extracted, the complexity of your case, whether other procedures are needed, and the type of sedation used during the procedure.
Additional costs may include the costs of pre-operative and post-operative visits with your oral surgeon, medication, x-rays, laboratory work, and any hospital costs. Generally speaking, the national average for simple removal of all four wisdom teeth is between $600 and $800, but some cases require more complicated surgery and follow-up care, which can increase total costs.
It is important to discuss your specific situation with your dentist or oral surgeon before the procedure to get a clear estimate of the costs associated with your surgery.
How long is wisdom teeth surgery?
Wisdom teeth surgery can vary in length depending on the specific situation. Most simple extractions are relatively quick, usually taking approximately 20-40 minutes, though it can be longer if there are multiple teeth involved or complications arise.
More complex extractions, such as surgery to remove impacted wisdom teeth or nerve repositioning, can take a few hours or more. Anesthesia or sedation may also add to the length of the procedure. Some patients may take longer to heal than others, so recovery times will depend on the individual.
