What Happens If You Let Your Wisdom Teeth Grow?

Highlights

• Letting wisdom teeth grow unchecked can lead to pain, infection, and crowding.
• Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, some grow in without issues.
• Common warning signs include jaw pain, swollen gums, and bad breath.
• Early evaluation with X-rays helps prevent serious complications.

Quick Answer: What Happens If You Let Your Wisdom Teeth Grow?

If you let your wisdom teeth grow without keeping an eye on them, they can cause pain, infections, crowding, or even damage nearby teeth. Some people never have issues, but for many, wisdom teeth can be a real hassle. That’s why getting them checked early makes a big difference. Regular dentist visits can catch any problems before they start, keeping your smile healthy and pain-free.

What Are Wisdom Teeth, and Why Do We Have Them?

Wisdom teeth typically make their debut between the ages of 17 and 25, earning their nickname as “third molars.” They’re a natural part of your dental anatomy, but these late bloomers often feel out of sync with the size and shape of modern jaws. While most adults have four wisdom teeth, some are lucky enough to have fewer, or none at all.

Common Problems When Wisdom Teeth Are Left Untreated

When wisdom teeth are not addressed, they can lead to a variety of oral health issues. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common problems people may face:

Pain and Discomfort

• Aching or sharp pain at the back of the mouth 
• Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth fully 

Impaction Issues

• When wisdom teeth don’t fully emerge, they can become trapped beneath the gums or in the jawbone 
• Press against nearby molars, potentially causing alignment issues and discomfort

Cyst Formation or Jaw Damage

• In rare cases, untreated wisdom teeth can cause fluid-filled cysts to develop 
• These cysts can damage roots, nerves, and jawbone, leading to more severe complications

When It’s Okay to Keep Your Wisdom Teeth 

Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed. There are situations where keeping your wisdom teeth can actually be perfectly fine. Your dentist will help you monitor them over time to ensure they’re still healthy and not causing problems. Here are a few key guidelines to know when it’s okay to keep them: 

• Fully erupted, healthy, and easy to clean – If your wisdom teeth have come in completely and aren’t causing any issues with nearby teeth or gums, removal may not be necessary. 
• Regular monitoring by your dentist – Routine dental checkups are essential to keeping an eye on your wisdom teeth. Your dentist can detect potential issues before they become bigger problems. 
• No signs of crowding, pain, or decay – If your wisdom teeth fit comfortably in your mouth without damaging others, and there’s no decay or tenderness, removal may not be needed.

How Dentists in Forest Hills Evaluate Wisdom Teeth

When it comes to wisdom teeth, early evaluation is key. Forest Hills Dental prioritizes comfort and precision in determining the best care plan for each patient. Here’s how the process works:

Customized Recommendations

Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. Some grow in perfectly fine and may not cause any issues. At Forest Hills Dental, every patient receives personalized, pressure-free care. During your consultation, the dentist will:

• Review your X-rays and examine your mouth. 
• Discuss any concerns or symptoms you’re experiencing. 
• Recommend options tailored to your specific needs. 

Whether it’s monitoring your wisdom teeth or scheduling a gentle extraction, their warm, patient-first approach ensures you feel supported and in control of your oral health decisions.

Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore 

Paying attention to your oral health is essential, especially when it comes to subtle discomforts or changes. Here are some key signs you shouldn’t ignore:

• Recurring pain or pressure in the back of your mouth 
• Swollen or bleeding gums around your molars 
• Difficulty cleaning around certain teeth or areas 
• A sudden bad taste or smell that won’t go away 

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Addressing these issues early can help prevent bigger problems down the road.

What to Expect If Extraction Is Needed

We understand that the idea of wisdom teeth removal might feel overwhelming, but rest assured, our process is designed with your comfort in mind. 

• Gentle techniques to keep you comfortable – Our team uses precise, minimally invasive methods to ensure a smooth experience. 
• Sedation options available – From local anesthesia to sedation, we ensure you’re relaxed the entire time. 
• Fast recovery tips and personal aftercare guidance – After your procedure, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to recover quickly and comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do all wisdom teeth need to be removed?

No, not always. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, and don’t affect neighboring teeth or your bite, they may not need to be removed. Your dentist will monitor them over time to ensure they stay problem-free.

2. What are the signs that wisdom teeth are causing problems?

Common signs include pain in the back of your mouth, swollen or bleeding gums, difficulty opening your jaw, bad breath, or a bad taste. These can be early indicators of impaction or infection.

3. What happens if I ignore impacted wisdom teeth?

Ignoring impacted wisdom teeth can lead to serious complications, such as infections, cysts, jaw damage, and shifting of nearby teeth. Early diagnosis helps avoid more painful and costly treatments.

4. Can wisdom teeth cause crowding after braces?

Yes. If your jaw doesn’t have enough space, growing wisdom teeth can push on surrounding molars, potentially undoing years of orthodontic work. That’s why regular checkups are important, even after braces.

5. How do dentists evaluate whether wisdom teeth should be removed?

We use digital X-rays and a full oral exam to check root position, angle, and available space. We’ll walk you through your options with no pressure.

6. Is wisdom tooth removal painful?

Thanks to modern techniques and sedation options, wisdom tooth removal is more comfortable than ever. Most patients feel only mild discomfort afterward and recover in just a few days.

7. At what age should I have my wisdom teeth checked?

We typically recommend checking wisdom teeth between the ages of 16 and 25, as early evaluation can prevent future problems. But it’s never too late to take a look.

Wisdom Teeth Care for Forest Hills Residents 

Finding the right care for your wisdom teeth doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Forest Hills Dental, we’re all about making your experience as comfortable and convenient as possible. 

• Convenient appointments right here in Forest Hills, Queens, NY 
• A caring team focused on your comfort and long-term dental health 
• Call or message anytime for support, questions, or second opinions