The majority of humans develop a set of two molars on their upper and lower jaws when they reach puberty. This is what is commonly referred to as wisdom teeth. In the past, especially in the primeval age, these last molars were important for chewing raw meat and chewy plants. However, today they are entirely useless because humans now eat cooked food, which doesn’t require a complete set of extra molars to chew.
Also, our jaws have become smaller, making it difficult for wisdom teeth to erupt correctly. That’s why there are so many cases of impacted wisdom teeth – last molars that have erupted at a wrong angle or failed to emerge fully. To avoid this problem, dental specialists recommend removing your wisdom teeth as soon as they erupt. A lot of things could go wrong if you don’t get rid of your wisdom teeth.
What Happens If You Don’t Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Although not all wisdom teeth get stuck underneath the gum or grow at the wrong angle, it is impossible to know if they will develop problems in the future. To avoid future complications, dental experts recommend immediate removal of wisdom teeth as soon as they erupt. Some of the severe oral complications that may occur in the future include:
Bacterial Infections
Since there is not enough room in your jaw for the wisdom teeth to emerge fully, most wisdom teeth get stuck within the gum, leaving open spaces in your gum. These open spaces trap food particles and are difficult to clean. Therefore, they become a safe harbor for microbes that cause serious gum diseases.
Crowded Teeth
As the wisdom teeth try to push their way through the little space available on your jaw, they will crowd the neighboring teeth. This will make it hard for you to brush and floss the teeth at the back of your mouth, thus allowing harmful bacteria to flourish. Furthermore, the impacted wisdom teeth can damage the nearby teeth and the jaw. For example, the nearby teeth might crack and develop cavities, which will lead to decay and teeth loss.
Cancerous Cysts
Impacted wisdom teeth are known to cause sacs in the gum that are filled with fluid. These cysts will eventually harden, leaving lumps on your jaw. If they are not removed, the cysts will turn into tumors that can easily cause oral cancer and other severe oral complications.
Since the decision to get rid of wisdom teeth isn’t always clear, you should talk to a qualified dental specialist for professional advice.