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Wisdom teeth may seem harmless, especially if they don’t hurt. But in many cases, the real damage happens quietly.
These third molars are the last teeth to develop, and they often run out of space before they even erupt. Without enough room to grow in properly, they can become trapped, infected, or start pressing against nearby teeth. Even if you don’t feel it now, untreated wisdom teeth can lead to serious oral health issues later.
In this blog, we will explain what can happen if you don’t get your wisdom teeth removed and why early action matters.
We offer wisdom teeth removal at our locations in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe and Show Low.
Table of Contents
- We offer wisdom teeth removal at our locations in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe and Show Low.
- Wisdom Teeth Often Lack Room To Grow
Wisdom teeth can cause serious problems even if they aren’t painful. Removing them early helps prevent crowding, infections, jaw damage, and other long-term complications.
Wisdom Teeth Often Lack Room To Grow
Wisdom teeth (also called third molars) usually erupt between ages 17 and 25. But most jaws today are too small to fit these extra molars.
- Jaw size limitations: Human jaws have become smaller over generations due to dietary and evolutionary changes. This leaves little to no space for a third set of molars.
- Partial eruption: When a wisdom tooth emerges halfway, it creates a pocket between the gum and tooth where bacteria collect. This space is difficult to clean, increasing the risk of infection.
- Impaction: Fully impacted teeth remain stuck beneath the gum tissue or jawbone, often growing at awkward angles and pushing against the roots of neighboring teeth.
These situations create a high risk for infection, decay, pain, and long-term damage, even if you do not feel symptoms at first.
Potential Problems if Wisdom Teeth Are Not Removed
Leaving wisdom teeth in place can lead to a range of preventable issues, including pain, infection, and long-term damage to your jaw and nearby teeth.
1. Crowding and Shifting Teeth
Wisdom teeth often erupt in the wrong direction due to lack of space. As they push forward, they apply pressure on nearby molars. This can lead to crooked teeth, bite problems, and even the need to redo orthodontic treatment.
2. Jaw Pain and Stiffness
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause tension in the jaw, especially when they push against bone or nerves. Over time, this leads to chronic discomfort, tightness when opening your mouth, and sometimes TMJ-like symptoms.
3. Cysts and Jaw Damage
An impacted tooth can develop a cyst, a fluid-filled sac that grows slowly. These cysts can eat away at the jawbone, damage adjacent teeth, and, in rare cases, evolve into benign tumors. Treating these issues may require complex surgery or bone grafting.
These are often odontogenic cysts, which originate from the tissues involved in tooth development. Learn more about them in this blog on Odontogenic Cysts: The Silent Threat to Your Oral Health.
4. Tooth Decay and Gum Infection
Partially erupted wisdom teeth are almost impossible to clean properly. Food and bacteria collect around the gum flap, leading to:
- Tooth decay and gum disease affecting the wisdom teeth as well as the surrounding teeth
- Gum inflammation called pericoronitis
- Chronic halitosis (bad breath) from bacterial buildup
These infections often recur and become more severe with time.
5. Chronic Infections
When bacteria become trapped under the gum, it can lead to repeat infections. Symptoms may include swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, bad taste, and even fever. Each flare-up can become more painful and harder to treat.
6. Sinus Pressure and Headaches
Upper wisdom teeth sit just beneath the sinus cavities. As they erupt or become infected, they can create pressure in the face, headaches, or sinus congestion.
Younger Patients Heal Faster With Fewer Risks
The best time to remove wisdom teeth is in the late teens or early twenties. At this stage:
- Tooth roots are usually shorter and not curved around nerves.
- The jawbone is still developing and heals faster.
- Surgery is simpler and the risk of complications is lower.
As you age, the teeth become harder to extract. Recovery also takes longer and the risk of nerve injury increases.
Common Myths About Keeping Wisdom Teeth
Some patients delay removal due to misinformation. Let’s clear up two common myths:
- “If there is no pain, there is no problem.”
Wisdom teeth can cause silent damage for years. Pain is not the first sign, by the time it appears, decay or bone loss may already be advanced. - “I need all my teeth for chewing.”
Wisdom teeth do not add a meaningful chewing surface. Most people function better without them, especially if they are misaligned or impacted.
What If You Already Have Symptoms?
You should not wait if you experience any of the following:
- Redness, swelling, or pain behind your back molars
- Gum bleeding or pus discharge near the tooth
- Persistent bad breath or foul taste
- Headaches or sinus pressure that worsens over time
- New crowding or shifting in your teeth
These are warning signs that your wisdom teeth are creating active problems. Delaying treatment can lead to infections that spread or permanent jaw damage.
Book a Consultation at AZ Max Today!
At AZ Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, we use advanced 3D imaging to evaluate each wisdom tooth with precision. Our board-certified surgeons provide safe, comfortable extractions tailored to your needs.To schedule an evaluation at one of our 5 locations, call (480) 830-5866 or complete the online inquiry form. We have locations in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe or Show Low.
