The Risks and Benefits of Leaving a Vertical Impacted Wisdom Tooth Untreated
When it comes to dental health, wisdom teeth can be a problematic issue for many people. The wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop and typically appear in the late teens to early twenties. In some cases, the wisdom teeth may not have enough room to grow normally, leading to impaction. An impacted wisdom tooth can cause pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth. In this article, we will explore the risks and benefits of leaving a vertical impacted wisdom tooth untreated.
What is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth is a tooth that has not fully erupted from the gum line or has only partially erupted. Impacted wisdom teeth can be horizontal or vertical, but vertical impaction is the most common. A vertical impacted wisdom tooth means that the tooth has grown straight up but is unable to fully emerge from the gum line. It is a common problem that affects thousands of people every year.
Risks of Leaving an Impacted Wisdom Tooth Untreated
Leaving a vertical impacted wisdom tooth untreated can lead to various complications, including:
1. Pain and Swelling: An impacted wisdom tooth can cause inflammation and swelling around the gum line, resulting in pain and discomfort.
2. Infections: An impacted tooth can easily trap bacteria and food particles, leading to infections and abscesses that can spread to surrounding teeth and even to the jawbone.
3. Tooth Decay: Impacted teeth are more prone to decay as the irregular surface and position makes cleaning difficult.
4. Cysts and Tumors: Cysts and tumors can develop around an impacted tooth if left untreated, which can damage adjacent teeth and lead to severe complications.
Benefits of Treating an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
While leaving an impacted wisdom tooth untreated can lead to severe complications, early treatment can prevent problems from arising. Removing an impacted wisdom tooth can:
1. Ease Pain: Removing an impacted wisdom tooth can alleviate the pain and discomfort around the affected area, making it easier to eat and speak.
2. Prevent Infection and Decay: Extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth can prevent infection and decay from spreading to surrounding teeth.
3. Prevent Further Damage: Extracting an impacted wisdom tooth can prevent further damage to surrounding teeth, gums, and jawbone.
4. Improve Oral Health: Removing an impacted wisdom tooth can promote better oral health by improving teeth alignment and reducing the risk of dental problems in the future.
Conclusion
Leaving a vertical impacted wisdom tooth untreated can lead to a host of complications, including infections, pain, decay, and even cysts and tumors. Early treatment is vital to prevent these complications from arising. While extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth can be a daunting prospect for many people, it is essential for maintaining good oral health. Speak to your dentist or oral surgeon to understand the best course of treatment for an impacted wisdom tooth.
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