What happens if wisdom teeth are not removed?
Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the last teeth to develop and erupt in the mouth, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. While some wisdom teeth erupt without any problems and function normally, others can cause various issues, such as impaction, overcrowding, pain, and infection.
If wisdom teeth are not removed and they are causing problems, several complications can occur:
1. Impaction: Wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they are unable to fully emerge from the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth may cause pain, discomfort, and swelling. They can also damage benachbart teeth, roots, and bone structure.
2. Overcrowding: Wisdom teeth can crowd other teeth, leading to misalignment, crowding, and bite problems. This can affect the overall appearance of the smile and make it difficult to clean the teeth properly.
3. Pain: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe pain, especially during eruption. The pain may be throbbing, constant, or intermittent.
4. Infection: Impacted wisdom teeth can trap bacteria and food particles, leading to infection of the gums and surrounding tissues. This can cause pain, swelling, bad breath, and difficulty eating.
5. Cyst Formation: In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can develop a cyst, a fluid-filled sac that can damage the roots of benachbart teeth and cause bone loss.
6. Damage to benachbart Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can press against benachbart teeth, causing damage to their enamel, roots, and supporting structures.
7. Sinus Problems: Upper wisdom teeth can sometimes grow close to the maxillary sinuses, causing sinus pain and pressure.
8. Gum Disease: Impacted wisdom teeth can make it difficult to clean the back of the mouth, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
9. Difficulty Eating and Speaking: In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can interfere with eating, chewing, and speaking.
10. Jaw Problems: Impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on the jawbone and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to jaw pain, headaches, and dificuldade em abrir a boca.
To avoid these complications, dentists typically recommend removing wisdom teeth if they are causing problems or are likely to cause problems in the future. The decision to remove wisdom teeth is made based on a thorough examination, X-rays, and a consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon. Timely removal of wisdom teeth can help prevent or minimize these potential issues and maintain oral health.