Wisdom teeth, the final set of molars emerging in your late teens or early twenties, are often unpredictable. While some individuals experience no issues, impacted wisdom teeth – those trapped beneath the gum or bone – can pose a significant risk to your oral health, even without causing immediate pain.
At Reno Tahoe Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center, board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. Redlinger recognizes the concerns surrounding wisdom tooth decisions. Below, we outline the potential consequences of avoiding wisdom teeth removal.
The Hidden Risks of Retaining Wisdom Teeth
Even pain-free wisdom teeth can pose unseen threats to your oral health. Here’s why waiting for symptoms to arise might not be the best solution:
- Impaction and Misalignment: Wisdom teeth often lack enough room to erupt properly. This can force them to grow at odd angles, displacing other teeth and disrupting your bite.
- Hidden Decay and Infection: The awkward position of wisdom teeth makes them extremely difficult to clean. This increases the risk of cavities and infections that can spread beneath the gum line, causing damage you might not feel initially.
- Cysts and Potential Nerve Damage: Cysts can develop around impacted wisdom teeth. These cysts can expand, weakening your jawbone and potentially damaging nerves, leading to numbness or tingling.
- Resorption of Neighboring Roots: The pressure from an impacted wisdom tooth can cause the roots of healthy adjacent teeth to dissolve, weakening their stability and potentially leading to their loss.
Delayed Wisdom Teeth Removal: Increased Risks and Complications
While wisdom teeth removal is generally a straightforward procedure, delaying it can lead to increased risks and complications:
- Denser Bone: As we age, jaw bone becomes denser, making wisdom teeth removal more complex and potentially requiring a longer recovery time.
- Reduced Root Development: The roots of wisdom teeth typically continue to develop until the mid-twenties. Delaying removal after this point can increase the risk of nerve damage during surgery.
- Increased Risk of Complications: The longer wisdom teeth remain impacted, the higher the chance of developing complications like infection, cyst formation, or damage to surrounding teeth.
The Benefits of Early Wisdom Teeth Removal
Opting for wisdom teeth removal in your late teens or early twenties offers several advantages:
- Simpler Procedure: Younger patients typically have less dense jawbone, making removal easier and minimizing recovery time.
- Reduced Risk of Complications: Proactive removal minimizes the potential issues mentioned earlier, promoting overall oral health.
- Preserving Jawbone Health: Early removal safeguards the jawbone from potential damage caused by impacted wisdom teeth.
- Reduced Cost: Wisdom teeth removal is typically covered by dental insurance. However, coverage may decrease or disappear altogether as you age.
Taking Control of Your Oral Health
Don’t wait for pain to be your guide. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Redlinger at Reno Tahoe Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center. Through a comprehensive examination and digital X-rays, Dr. Redlinger will assess your individual situation and discuss the best course of action for optimal oral health. Remember, early wisdom teeth removal can prevent many problems down the road, allowing you to smile confidently for years to come.
