Have you ever heard the regretful saying, "You don't know what you've got until it's gone?" What about the times when your life gets better after something is gone?

Tooth extractions are an example. Your health will drastically improve once they're out.

Wisdom teeth are the most common ones to say goodbye to. At least 50% of the US has.

There are several convincing reasons for this. Read on to learn the potential oral health issues of not removing wisdom teeth.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are also known as full molars. They're the last of our 32 teeth to come in, typically between the ages of 17 and 25.

They show up at the back of the mouth. Most people have four, two on the top and two on the bottom. Approximately 25% of people are missing at least one set.

What Problems Can Not Removing Wisdom Teeth Cause?

Wisdom teeth cause initial pain, but this goes away once they're in the right position. They cause a variety of problems by coming in the wrong position.

Impaction

Impacted wisdom teeth don't emerge or develop normally. They could grow at the wrong angle or be partially or fully trapped in the gums or jaw.

Fully impacted wisdom teeth are completely hidden behind the gums. Partially impacted teeth are slightly visible.

Soft tissue impaction means the tooth erupted from the jawbone but hasn't gone through the gums. Hard tissue impaction means the tooth is covered by the gums and jawbone.

This causes symptoms such as:

• Pain 
• Swelling
• Infection
• Damage to adjacent teeth
• Red or tender gums
• Jaw pain
• Bad breath
• Unpleasant tastes
• Difficulty opening the mouth

Impacted wisdom teeth often lead to other complications. 

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Wisdom teeth are the most difficult to clean. Even the best dental health tips can't always help you reach the back of your mouth. It becomes even harder if they're impacted and at an odd angle.

This makes them more susceptible to gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities.

Cysts and Tumors

Fluid-filled sacs known as cysts may form around your wisdom teeth. They're uncomfortable and can damage the jawbone or nearby teeth.

Tumors are rarer but also possible. The only way to remove them is with surgery.

Jaw Fractures

Wisdom teeth put pressure on the jaw. This can be enough to cause fractures.

It's an emergency that requires two serious forms of treatment. You'll need to remove the teeth and repair the jaw tissue.

Damaging Other Teeth

If your wisdom teeth are impacted or come in at the wrong angle, they'll rub up against adjacent teeth. This can cause them to become misaligned or damaged.

It's a more proactive approach to get rid of the wisdom teeth before they can create these issues. They can block necessary treatments or cause damage that requires treatment.

How Can You Fix These Issues?

You may be able to find wisdom teeth pain relief with over-the-counter medications. This is only for the lucky few. Most need a more extensive procedure, but it's similar no matter where you live. 

Most dentists believe in monitoring wisdom teeth as soon as they come in, even if they aren't causing problems. Get regular examinations from your dentist in Sorrento Valley, and talk to them if you notice symptoms such as severe pain or infections.

Your dentist will perform dental x-rays. It lets them find out the position of your wisdom teeth. They'll also see if your jaw or any nearby teeth are damaged.

Wisdom teeth removal is the best relief for any impaction. It's recommended to do this at a young age. The teeth would only grow and cause more painful issues later. 

Prepare for the procedure as you would any extraction. Don't eat 8-12 hours in advance. Make arrangements to get to and from the office. Give your Poway dentist your medical history.

If the tooth has come below the gum line, the process is simpler. They'll numb the area, loosen the tooth, and pull it out with pliers. They'll clean out the area and pack it with gauze to reduce bleeding.

If it's below the gum line, it's a more intense oral surgery. They'll provide sedation, then cut upon the gum line and remove the bone. Once they get to the root, they may have to cut it into pieces to remove it.

What About After Treatment?

The length of wisdom teeth recovery depends on the severity of the procedure, but it doesn't typically take long. You may be sore or bleed the first day after surgery. Use over-the-counter pain medication and take antibiotics to prevent infection.

Don't brush or rinse your teeth for 24 hours. After that, gargle with salt water every two hours for a week. Brush your teeth gently while avoiding the surgery site for a few days.

Put ice packs and warm cloths on your jaw to reduce soreness and swelling. Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol, hot beverages, and soda for the first day. Eat soft foods to avoid irritating the area.

The benefits of wisdom teeth oral surgery outweigh the risks, but there are possible complications. You could develop a painful condition called a dry socket. You may have weakness in the nerves around your lips, younger, or chin. These shouldn't last long but must be monitored.

Go back to your dentist or surgeon in San Diego if you experience severe wisdom teeth complications such as:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Consistent bleeding or pain 
• Consistent swelling in your face or jaw
• Fever
• Numbness
• Signs of infection, such as pus or foul odors

Where Should I Get My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

There are risks to not removing wisdom teeth. They can become impacted and lead to decay, gum disease, cysts, tumors, jaw fractures, and damage to other teeth.

A+ Family Dentistry has been providing basic and advanced dental services since 2002. Our core values are honesty, integrity, and continuous improvement.

Our team is committed to educating themselves to learn the latest technology. We adapt to the unique needs of each patient to enhance their quality of life. Set up an appointment today.