What happens if I don’t have my wisdom teeth removed?

posted: Apr. 11, 2023.

One of the things the doctor and our team at dba Spring Valley Dental monitor during your dental appointments is the growth of your wisdom teeth, or third molars. Third molars generally begin to erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth may require removal for many reasons, including pain, infection, or growth issues. While not all patients need their wisdom tooth removed, problems can develop if removal is not performed.

Overcrowding

Many patients have smaller mouths and jaws, which do not allow room for the third molars to grow in properly. If these teeth do erupt, overcrowding can occur. Your teeth will begin to shift or overlap each other. Wisdom teeth that erupt after orthodontic care is completed can cause the teeth to shift and negate the work performed.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth are impacted, they are trapped below your gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can be very painful and may be prone to abscess and infection. The impaction can lead to decay and resorption of healthy teeth.

On occasion, if wisdom teeth are not monitored properly, their growth can shift parallel to the jaw line. They can also shift backward and eventually interfere with the opening and closing of your jaw.

Greater Potential for Decay

Even when wisdom teeth grow in properly, the location can make the teeth harder to care for. This in turn can lead to the growth of more bacteria, and create health issues later in life.

If you do not have your wisdom teeth removed, they will require continued monitoring. Wisdom teeth are just as subject to decay and other problems as the rest of your teeth. Those that appear above the gum surface can often be extracted at a dental office in a fashion similar to any other tooth extraction. Impacted teeth are normally handled by an oral surgeon.

Pain in the back of the jaw and swelling may indicated wisdom teeth that are beginning to rupture or are impacted. A simple set of X-rays will determine the extent and direction of growth. Please do not hesitate to discuss your concerns during your next visit our Cedar Rapids, Iowa office. We will be happy to explain wisdom teeth, and potential removal, as it applies to your specific case.

Map & Hours

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

(Closed for lunch from: 1pm to 2pm)

Monday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

December - April - 9:00 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Click to find out more

Broken Teeth

Even though enamel is the hardest substance in the body, teeth aren’t indestructible, and chipped, cracked, and broken teeth are among the most common dental injuries. Tooth fractures might result from accidents, trauma, tooth grinding, chewing hard objects and foods, or extensive decay. Tooth injuries ...
Read More
Apicoectomy

Root canal therapy is often enough to treat infection in the inner tooth successfully. If pain or inflammation return, however, these symptoms can indicate a new or recurring infection. In such cases, an apicoectomy is a common surgical procedure used to save the tooth and restore the health of the surrounding ...
Read More
Tooth Pain

Pain is a signal that something is wrong. Any tooth pain should be taken seriously because ignoring this symptom can lead to more serious dental and medical consequences. Among the common causes of tooth pain are decay, erosion, infection, and trauma. Tooth Decay Tooth decay begins with the bacteria ...
Read More
Orthodontic Emergencies

If you experience severe pain or a problem with your orthodontic equipment that cannot be fixed at home, you will need to contact your orthodontist immediately to get it resolved. Leaving your tooth in pain or your equipment damaged for a long period of time will ultimately set back your treatment plan. ...
Read More

Testimonials

"Dr. Scott Kleymann is a class act. Cannot share enough good things about him and his whole team. From start to finish, you will feel welcomed and valued as a patient. Phenomenal care and awesome service. My entire family now goes to Spring Valley Dental. Thanks Dr. Scott!"

John-Luke
"I’ve been coming to Dr. Brown for a while now and every visit has been great. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. I did the clear aligners to straighten my teeth and I am so happy with the results. Definitely would recommend!"

Kylie
"I had such a great experience at Spring Valley Dental with Dr. Brown! From the moment I walked in, the staff was so warm and welcoming. Dr. Brown was incredibly kind, thorough, and explained everything in a way that made me feel comfortable and confident in my care. It’s rare to find a dental office that combines professionalism with such genuine compassion. I’m so glad I found them and would highly recommend Spring Valley Dental to anyone looking for a dentist who really cares about their patients!"

Chris
""Honestly, few individuals equate a visit to the dentist with having a pleasurable experience, but the team at Spring Valley pulls this off flawlessly!!! From the dental hygienist being one of the most pleasant individuals I’ve ever met, on any level, to the quick diagnosis and treatment from Dr. Brown, I am left, dare I say, excited for my next visit. If I could give more stars I would!! Great Job everyone, I recommend Spring Valley to anyone in need of some dental care!!!""

Griffin
"Dr. Kleymann is absolutely amazing! He does an excellent job every time I go in. He is gentle, kind, thorough and extremely knowledgeable, which always puts me at ease. His entire team is just as wonderful! They are always welcoming and upbeat the moment I walk in. I genuinely love going to this office, which says a lot for a dental visit! I highly recommend Dr. Kleymann and his team to anyone looking for outstanding dental care!"

Sandra
"The team at Spring Valley Dental Care always make me feel welcome. I am always greeted with a smile and everyone goes out of their way to make each and every appointment comfortable."

Alison