Lizzie Weakley
Wisdom tooth removal is a situation that most people face eventually. However, many insist on putting it off simply because they’re not experiencing any pain, discomfort or other symptoms. After all, if it doesn’t feel broken, why fix it? Unfortunately, a lack of symptoms doesn’t mean your wisdom teeth can’t or won’t cause trouble later, or that they’re not causing problems now. Here are three reasons not to postpone wisdom tooth removal.
Impaction
In roughly 85 percent of cases, a patient’s wisdom teeth will become impacted. This means they’re in a position where they push against the teeth in front of them. Impaction can result in pain, especially when eating. What’s worse, they can eventually cause damage to the nerves and structure of the teeth they’re pressing on. In addition, impacted wisdom teeth can force established teeth out of position, resulting in malocclusion and disruption of previous dental work to straighten teeth. In some instances, impaction may lead to swelling, irritation and the formation of ulcers as wisdom teeth begin to protrude through the gum tissue.
Fortunately, all of this can be prevented by having a specialist doing wisdom teeth removal in Glendale AZ, such as those at Arrowhead Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery,remove them as soon as possible. By waiting to have an extraction performed, you run the risk of damaging your other teeth and living with significant discomfort.
Infection
Infection is the most serious risk associated with not having wisdom teeth removed. Although this only occurs in about 12 percent of people who retain their wisdom teeth, the threat is great enough that removal should be a priority. Partially erupted wisdom teeth provide an ideal location for the accumulation of food particles in an area of the mouth that is already difficult to keep clean. Naturally, this can lead to a buildup of harmful bacteria that attack the tooth, root and surrounding tissues. Eventually, a cyst or abscess may develop and the infection may become systemic. What makes wisdom tooth infections so dangerous is their proximity to the brain. Once the infection becomes systemic and reaches the brain, it is difficult to treat and brain damage or death can result.
Difficulty of Treatment
Even if the above situations haven’t happened to you and you don’t suffer from any discomfort, you should be aware that postponing wisdom teeth removal can make treatment more difficult down the road. As the wisdom teeth continue to develop and emerge, they may shift into positions that make extraction a longer, more tedious process. This usually translates into a more lengthy and painful recovery period afterward. Furthermore, the more work it takes to extract your wisdom teeth, the more likely you are to experience post-surgical complications like infection and dry socket.
If you notice that your wisdom teeth are coming in, or if they begin causing problems, it’s critical that you don’t hesitate. Taking immediate action by having them removed can save you a lot of pain and trouble later on.
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