Many people start to have troubles with their wisdom teeth in their late teens and early 20s. These back teeth can sometimes grow the wrong way or get stuck, which can cause problems later. This is why wisdom tooth extractions in Dearborn are usually done early on to help alleviate pain, infection, or damage to nearby teeth.
Even if your wisdom teeth don’t hurt you right now, they can still make trouble for you later on. If there isn’t enough space, they might grow sideways or stay trapped under the gums. If you don’t take care of your wisdom teeth, it can lead to greater dental issues later on. Let’s look at what can happen if you don’t get them removed.
Can Impacted Wisdom Teeth Cause Long-Term Problems?
Indeed. Impacted wisdom teeth, those that don’t erupt fully, often put pressure on adjacent molars and crowd your mouth. This malpositioning of teeth may cause your teeth to shift their positions, cause bite problems, or offset straightening work done by braces or aligners.
When a wisdom tooth fails to erupt and stays trapped under the gums, a cyst may develop. Cysts can destroy jawbone tissue and cause infections or decay. Oftentimes, early removal helps to avoid these long-term problems.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Pain?
Some people do not often recognize that they have a problem and put off treatment until the symptoms become intolerable. Common signs of wisdom teeth pain include the following:
- Puffy or sore spot on the side of your jaw or at the back of your mouth.
- Red, tender, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty opening your mouth all the way
- Pain while chewing
- Possible headaches or earaches
In addition, one can develop sinus issues if the upper wisdom teeth push into the sinus cavity.
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Bad Breath?
Yes, bad breath caused by wisdom teeth is more common than many people think. Partially erupted wisdom teeth create very small spaces between the gums and tooth surface. These spaces can trap food and bacteria, resulting in bad breath and even leading to infection.
Even with daily brushing, these areas are very difficult to clean. If your bad breath won’t go away, a hidden wisdom tooth could be the reason.
What Are the Risks of Keeping Wisdom Teeth Too Long?
Letting your wisdom teeth be can result in:
- Gum infection (Pericoronitis)
- Decay in hard-to-clean back teeth.
- Crowd and alignment issues.
- Jaw pain/stiffness.
- Decay in the neighboring molars.
If your wisdom teeth are not currently causing pain, your dentist near Dearborn Heights may suggest removal to avoid future issues. Preventatively removing your teeth is less complicated and painful than waiting until there is a problem.
Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Not usually. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, completely erupted, and in the right position, they most likely will not need any removal. Depending on your dental surgeon or specialist, you can have your wisdom teeth regularly checked at your dental examinations. While your dentist will measure how well your wisdom teeth are positioned with radiographs, if they are not bad for your mouth there is a small likelihood that they require attention.
If there is any sign of pressure, decay, infection, or pain, it is likely your dentist will recommend removal of the wisdom tooth before the worsening condition affects other aspects of your mouth.
Book Your Wisdom Tooth Checkup Now!
Wisdom teeth that are left too long can lead to pain and infection, and not only that, the longer they are left the more likely they will impact your health in the future. Scheduling early removal of these teeth can ultimately help you prevent future oral health problems. Call Royal Dentistry today to book your checkup. Our friendly team in Dearborn will take good care of you and help you keep a healthy smile for years to come!