What Complications Can Happen if a Wisdom Tooth Is Not Removed as a Teenager
removal is not something that anyone looks forward to. Instead, a lot of individuals cringe at the thought of the procedure. However, what many may not know is that serious complications can occur if wisdom tooth removal is not done at an early age. Typically, oral surgeons and dentists recommend the procedure be done as soon as eruption occurs, which is usually during the teenage years.
Why wisdom tooth removal is important at an early age
Below is an overview of what can happen if a wisdom tooth is not removed during the teenage years. This information may be helpful to review when curious about wisdom teeth removal.
Pain problems
One of the biggest complications that can occur as a result of not having a wisdom tooth removed at an early age is the potential for pain to occur. A wisdom tooth that erupts and then is not removed can cause an immense amount of pain in the mouth, face, head, and even neck. A tooth that has no room to live and thrive may end up forcing its way in, which can be painful for the gums and surrounding teeth.
Crowding of the secondary teeth
If wisdom tooth removal is not done as a teenager, the secondary teeth, also known as adult teeth, can become crowded. Crowding of the teeth is not just a problem aesthetically, but for function and oral health too. If the teeth begin to crowd too much, they may not function as normal. Things like eating may become skewed because the bite can be altered. Additionally, the health of the teeth and gums is at risk. The eruption of a wisdom tooth may force the other teeth to shift in order to make room. If this happens, there are more likely to be tight spaces that can be hard to access when trying to brush or floss.
Structural complications
If the wisdom teeth are not removed after eruption, they can influence the structure of the face and jaw. Eruption typically causes the other teeth to be affected, which as stated above, can cause crowding. Crowding is not just a problem for the surrounding teeth, but long-term, if removal is not executed, the shape of the face and jaw may be forced to change. Structural complications can be irreversible, resulting in the need for other procedures.
Talk to an oral surgeon
An oral surgeon is the best resource to utilize when wanting any information about wisdom tooth removal. The oral surgeon will work hand in hand with the primary dentist to determine what plan of action to take and how to carry it out. If there are any complications before removal, the oral surgeon will need to know in order to appropriately execute the procedure.
To find out more about wisdom tooth removal and what may be involved, reach out today. Additionally, a consultation appointment can be scheduled to start the removal process.
Request an appointment here: https://www.centralcoastoms.com or call Wilson Oral Surgery at (805) 910-1213 for an appointment in our Santa Maria office.
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