What Happens if I Wait on a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

A dentist may recommend wisdom tooth extraction for different reasons, including infection, pain or growth issues. During a routine dental checkup, the dentist will observe the growth of a patient's wisdom teeth. While not everyone needs their wisdom teeth extracted, it can quickly turn into a problem if the teeth are not taken out in time.
The need for wisdom tooth extraction
Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, usually start to emerge between ages 17 and 25, although not everyone will get them. If the dentist has recommended a patient for extraction, the procedure should be performed promptly. The following issues may occur if a patient delays the procedure:
Overcrowding
People who have smaller mouths may not have enough space on their jaw to accommodate the proper growth of the third molars. If these teeth emerge, they may cause overcrowding, causing existing teeth to shift or overlap. Wisdom teeth that appear after orthodontic treatment can cause the teeth to shift and ruin the alignment.
Teeth impaction
When wisdom teeth are impacted, they are trapped under the gum line and unable to emerge. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe pain and may be the risk for abscesses and infection. The issue could also cause decay or resorption of healthy teeth. In rare cases, if the wisdom teeth are not extracted in time, they may grow parallel to the jawline. They may also move backward and ultimately inhibit the opening and closing of the jaw. An X-ray of the teeth can help to tell the extent and direction of teeth growth.
Risk of tooth decay
Even when wisdom teeth form correctly, their position can make effective cleaning difficult, and they are just as vulnerable to tooth decay as other teeth. With time, they may start to harbor bacteria and cause dental issues. Pain around the back of the jaw and swelling may mean that a wisdom tooth has suffered decay or infection. If patients do not undergo a wisdom tooth extraction, they must continue to monitor the teeth.
Cysts and tumors
Every tooth forms in a sack located inside the jaw. After the tooth emerges through the gum, the fluid-filled sack dissolves. However, an impacted wisdom tooth sac continues to develop and may lead to damage to the bone or jaw. Also, tumors and certain cancer types can develop around an impacted tooth. Therefore, it is crucial to detect and remove impacted wisdom teeth promptly.
In summary
Wisdom tooth extraction typically takes only one dental appointment and followup, with recovery lasting only a few days. The dentist will take precautions to keep you comfortable and make healing easy, so there is nothing to fear about the procedure. Although tooth extraction is not an exciting idea, waiting on the procedure will only prolong the pain and endanger your oral and overall health. To learn more about the procedure, and why it is necessary and discuss any concerns, book a dentist appointment for a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://familychoicedentistry.com or call Family Choice Dental at (505) 634-5657 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Related Posts
A smile makeover can involve one treatment or several, depending on the specific attributes of your smile you wish to address. A makeover can create a domino effect on many aspects of your life, affecting your confidence level, speech, and the frequency with which you smile. Take a closer look at the various ways our…
Teeth straightening is not just for kids or teens. More adults are choosing to fix crooked teeth, close gaps, or improve their bite for a healthier and more confident smile. A general dentist who offers orthodontic services can help adults explore the many options available. With the right treatment, it is possible to achieve beautiful…
Orthodontics is concerned with realigning the teeth and jaw, such as with braces or aligners. A general dentist can discuss several orthodontic treatments, helping patients explore their options. Learning about what each orthodontic option involves can help patients or their caregivers choose the one best suited to smile goals and lifestyle preferences.Orthodontic care includes a…
It is possible to enhance the overall appearance of a patient’s smile through a unique combination of cosmetic dental procedures. This is known as a smile makeover. Dental providers make these treatment plans custom to each patient. Here is what to expect at every step of a smile makeover, from design to execution.A smile makeover…