The Risks of Delaying Wisdom Teeth Removal

Delaying getting wisdom teeth removed is a common mistake many people make worldwide. However, holding off on a procedure like this is very risky. That’s why at Juban Cowen Dental Care in Baton Rouge, we advise patients not to postpone wisdom teeth removal.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Not everyone has wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth, also called the “third molar,” are the extra molars that grow at the very back of your mouth. They typically surface between a person’s late teen years and early twenties. Unfortunately, wisdom teeth don’t provide us with wisdom; instead, they can create many dental problems.

Wisdom teeth were beneficial for our ancestors, who had rough diets of raw meat and vegetables. Today, we consume a much softer diet that is often cooked, easy to bite, chew and swallow. Besides, our jaw size is much smaller than our ancestors. As a result, these extra molars often don’t have enough room to grow and get wedged under the jawline, causing problems to other teeth. This is why we recommend wisdom teeth removal. Extracting wisdom teeth is a preventive measure to save the other teeth.

Risks of Delaying Wisdom Teeth Removal

It’s vital that when you’re faced with the decision to get your wisdom teeth removed, you remember the below dangers of delaying the surgery.

1. Gum Disease

As you would expect, it’s challenging to brush and floss around wisdom teeth. However, with the bacteria buildup, you’re vulnerable to tooth decay. In addition, once your wisdom teeth begin to erupt, there’s an opening in your mouth that can become inflamed and lead to pericoronitis, a gum tissue disease. The area around your gums will become inflamed and infected, which often leads to pain so severe that some people even have difficulties opening their mouth or experience swollen lymph nodes around their neck.

2. Misalignment

When wisdom teeth grow in, there’s rarely enough room for them to fit in your jaw. As a result, they will come in at different angles, shifting the rest of your teeth. This misalignment and movement can cause other teeth to rub against each other and break down the enamel, opening you to the possibility of cavities. In addition, it can also cause an over or underbite, and in severe cases, can interfere with the way you open and close your mouth.

So, if you have undergone an orthodontic procedure to correct your teeth and are delaying wisdom teeth extraction, it can undo all the years of hard work.

3. Cysts and Tumors

A sac filled with fluid will form around the untreated teeth inside the jawbone if wisdom teeth are not dealt with. Over time, this sac can turn into a cyst or a tumor in some rare cases. This can damage the jawbone and nerves.

Now that you know these risks, don’t delay any longer if you need to remove your wisdom teeth. Instead, contact us at Juban Cowen Dental Care or visit our clinic in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Our team will be happy to book your appointment today.