As a dentist, one of the most common questions I hear from my patients is, “Is wisdom tooth extraction really necessary?” My answer is that it depends. Wisdom tooth extraction is not always necessary, but many individuals with pain, infection, and impacted teeth, need it to prevent further complications. The final decision must be made after a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of the patient’s needs and dental situation. In this article, we want to know when wisdom tooth extraction is required and when it can be avoided. If you are interested in this topic, join us until the end!
| Issue | Extraction Needed | Extraction Not Needed |
| Pain and discomfort | Chronic pain and swelling can be a symptom of an infected wisdom tooth | Your wisdom teeth don’t cause discomfort and pain |
| Impacted wisdom tooth | Partially or fully trapped wisdom teeth can lead to severe problems | Your wisdom tooth has fully erupted and doesn’t cause misalignment |
| Crowded teeth | Your wisdom tooth causes shifting of the nearby teeth, creating an inharmonious smile | Your wisdom teeth don’t push against nearby teeth |
| Cysts and infection | Infection, gum disease, tooth decay around your wisdom tooth | Having healthy gums and no infection |
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What Happens If You Ignore or Postpone a Necessary Tooth Extraction
Delaying or ignoring a necessary wisdom tooth extraction can lead to more serious problems. If you have noticed any signs of a problem related to your wisdom teeth, you should book a dental appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Here, we have mentioned the consequences of an untreated problematic wisdom tooth:
- Pain and Discomfort: Patients with a damaged, infected, or impacted wisdom tooth might experience severe and consistent pain and discomfort. This pain can cause chewing difficulties and speaking challenges.
- Risk of Infection: If a problematic wisdom tooth is left untreated, the risk of infection will be increased. According to the Healthline, patients with partially erupted wisdom teeth are more prone to infection, because the shape of the teeth makes decay more likely to happen. Additionally, the infection might affect surrounding areas, jawbone, gums, or other teeth. This issue must be taken seriously because it can lead to a life-threatening condition.
- Damage and Misalignment to Other Teeth: Wisdom teeth can affect your nearby teeth, causing decay, cavities, and misalignment. This may lead to more expensive and complex treatments, such as root canal therapy.
Let’s read Kyle’s experience:
“I kept postponing my wisdom tooth extraction because I was afraid of the pain. At first, it was just mild discomfort, but then I started experiencing swelling, sharp jaw pain, and difficulty chewing. Eventually, the area became infected, causing a bad taste in my mouth and persistent headaches. When I finally saw my dentist, the extraction was more complicated than it would have been earlier. I wish I had done it sooner to avoid all the pain and trouble.”
Alternatives to Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom tooth extraction is not always needed for all patients. Sometimes, we recommend alternative treatments to help them keep their oral health, manage symptoms, and reduce discomfort. There are several solutions available, Let’s check them out:
- Monitoring: During regular checkups, dentists assess wisdom tooth situations to ensure the patient doesn’t experience pain, discomfort, or other symptoms. X-rays also might be required. Regular checkups play a key role in catching the issues, such as infection, decay, and gum disease at an early stage.
- Prescribing Medications: Dentists usually prescribe medications for patients who are experiencing pain or discomfort. Painkillers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can manage the symptoms. However, patients should consider that this is not a permanent solution and doesn’t address the underlying cause.
- Professional Dental Cleaning: Wisdom teeth are located in a hard-to-reach part of the mouth, making them challenging to clean properly. During professional cleanings, the dentist employs advanced techniques to brush and floss the teeth. It prevents bacteria accumulation, plaque buildup, and more serious issues, such as infection.
- Orthodontic treatment: Sometimes, wisdom teeth can cause overcrowding and misalignment to your smile. In this situation, the dentist or orthodontist recommends using braces to make the patient’s smile harmonious and aligned again.
Take your first step towards a healthier life by getting a professional wisdom tooth extraction. Our team at Eagle Family Dental has years of experience and expertise, making the treatment process comfortable for patients. Additionally, flexible payment plans are also available to facilitate the payment process. Contact us today and schedule an appointment.
FAQs
What happens if I don’t get my wisdom teeth removed?
If your wisdom teeth are not causing problems, they may not need to be removed. However, if they are impacted or grow at an angle, they can lead to pain, swelling, and infections. Over time, they may crowd or damage nearby teeth. In some cases, cysts or tumors can form around impacted wisdom teeth, causing more serious dental issues. Regular dental check-ups can help monitor their condition.
Do I really need to get my wisdom teeth removed?
Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. If they grow in properly, are healthy, and do not cause crowding or pain, they can remain in place. However, if they are impacted, infected, or damaged other teeth, removal may be necessary. Dentists typically evaluate factors like alignment, gum health, and potential future problems before recommending extraction. It’s best to follow a dentist’s advice based on your specific case.
Why do experts now say not to extract your wisdom teeth?
Many dental experts now recommend a more conservative approach, only removing wisdom teeth if they cause or are likely to cause problems. Research suggests that unnecessary extractions can lead to complications like nerve damage, infection, and prolonged recovery. If wisdom teeth are healthy, properly aligned, and not causing issues, keeping them avoids unnecessary surgery. Regular monitoring with X-rays helps ensure they don’t cause future problems.
What happens if you wait too long to get wisdom teeth out?
Delaying wisdom tooth removal can lead to increased complications, as the roots grow deeper and become harder to extract. Impacted teeth can cause infections, damage surrounding teeth, and lead to cysts or bone loss. Recovery time may also be longer, with more pain and swelling if removal is done later in life. In some cases, wisdom teeth that were once asymptomatic can suddenly cause severe pain or crowding, making late removal more difficult.
