Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth at the back of your mouth. They typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, around the age of 17 to 25. For many people, wisdom teeth cause problems, such as pain, infection, or misalignment. However, not all wisdom teeth are problematic. In some cases, wisdom teeth emerge properly, without causing harm. So, if your wisdom teeth are not impacted, the question arises: can they be left in place?
In this article, we will explore the situation of wisdom teeth that are not impacted, and discuss the factors that influence whether or not they should be removed. We will also consider potential risks and benefits of keeping them, and help you make an informed decision about your dental health.
What Does It Mean for Wisdom Teeth to Be Impacted?
Before understanding the answer to whether non-impacted wisdom teeth should stay, it’s important to clarify what “impacted” means in this context. Impacted wisdom teeth are those that are unable to emerge properly through the gums. This can happen for several reasons. Sometimes, there isn’t enough space in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to come in, leading them to become trapped beneath the gum line. In other cases, they might grow at odd angles, pressing against adjacent teeth, gums, or bone.
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to various complications, including infection, gum disease, tooth decay, and damage to neighboring teeth. When wisdom teeth are impacted, they are typically removed to avoid these potential issues. But what happens when the wisdom teeth are not impacted?
Can Non-Impacted Wisdom Teeth Be Left in Place?
The Condition of Non-Impacted Wisdom Teeth
When wisdom teeth are non-impacted, it means they have erupted or are able to emerge through the gums properly. They are positioned in a way that they don’t interfere with other teeth. If these teeth are healthy, they don’t cause pain, and they align properly with the rest of the teeth, then, in many cases, they can remain in place.
However, whether or not they should be kept depends on individual factors. If the wisdom teeth are healthy, well-aligned, and don’t pose any immediate risks, your dentist may recommend leaving them in place. On the other hand, certain factors can still make it necessary to remove them.
Space in the Mouth
One of the biggest challenges with wisdom teeth is whether there is enough space in the mouth for them to fully emerge and align. Even if wisdom teeth are not impacted, they may not have enough space to fit properly without pushing against other teeth. This can cause crowding, shifting of teeth, and even bite problems. If there isn’t sufficient space for the wisdom teeth, extraction might be recommended.
In many cases, the position of the wisdom teeth may be monitored over time to ensure they don’t cause any crowding or discomfort. If the teeth are properly aligned and there’s no risk of misalignment, it might not be necessary to remove them.
Oral Health and Hygiene
The position of your wisdom teeth also affects your ability to properly clean them. If your wisdom teeth are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss due to their location at the back of your mouth, they can become prone to tooth decay or gum disease. Even if the wisdom teeth are not impacted, poor oral hygiene can lead to cavities, infections, or gum problems around these teeth.
Dentists typically monitor wisdom teeth closely and recommend removal if it becomes difficult to keep them clean. If you can maintain good oral hygiene despite their location, then there may not be a need for removal.
Risk of Future Complications
Even if wisdom teeth are not causing immediate problems, they may still develop complications later on. Over time, wisdom teeth can become decayed or damaged, or they may begin to cause discomfort. If they are not positioned well, they might begin to push on nearby teeth, leading to issues such as tooth movement or bite problems.
Sometimes, wisdom teeth can develop cysts or tumors around them, which can affect the jawbone and surrounding tissues. Even if these teeth are initially healthy and non-impacted, it’s important to regularly monitor them to check for any potential problems that could develop.
Age and Wisdom Teeth Removal
Age can play a role in the decision to keep wisdom teeth. Younger individuals tend to recover faster and have fewer complications after wisdom teeth removal. As people age, the removal process becomes more complicated. Older individuals may face a higher risk of complications such as nerve damage or prolonged healing times after extraction.
For this reason, some people may opt to remove their wisdom teeth before they cause problems, especially if they are young and the teeth are non-impacted. It’s easier to remove the teeth while the jaw is still developing and the teeth are still in a more accessible position.
When Is It Necessary to Remove Non-Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
There are several situations in which your dentist might recommend removing non-impacted wisdom teeth. Although non-impacted wisdom teeth do not typically cause immediate harm, they can still present risks over time.
Crowding and Misalignment
If the wisdom teeth start pushing on the adjacent teeth, they can cause crowding and misalignment. This is particularly problematic for people who have had orthodontic treatment, such as braces, as the wisdom teeth can undo the alignment of the other teeth. Removing wisdom teeth before they can affect the position of other teeth is often recommended in these cases.
Difficulty with Cleaning and Oral Hygiene
Wisdom teeth at the back of the mouth can be difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss. This can result in plaque buildup and an increased risk of cavities or gum disease around the wisdom teeth. If you’re unable to maintain proper oral hygiene around your wisdom teeth, it may be better to have them removed before they cause problems.
Infection or Pain
Although non-impacted wisdom teeth are generally less likely to cause pain or infection, it is still possible. If the gum tissue around the wisdom teeth becomes irritated or infected, it can lead to discomfort or swelling. Additionally, wisdom teeth can sometimes trap food or bacteria, leading to infection. In these cases, the dentist may recommend removal to prevent further problems.
Conclusion
In most cases, if wisdom teeth are non-impacted, they can be left in place. However, the decision to keep them should be made in consultation with your dentist. Even if the wisdom teeth appear to be healthy and functional, factors such as space in the mouth, oral hygiene, and the risk of future complications can affect whether or not they should remain. Regular dental checkups and monitoring of your wisdom teeth can help ensure that they do not cause problems in the future.
If you have concerns about your wisdom teeth or are unsure about whether they should be removed, it’s important to talk to your dentist. With the right care and attention, you can make the best decision for your long-term oral health.
Related topics:
Can Wisdom Teeth Affect Your Bite?
Is it Normal to Have a Dry Socket After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Why Is My Tongue Yellow After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
