What Happens If You Don’t Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed on Time?
Wisdom teeth often show up when you least expect them, usually in your late teens or early twenties. Some people get lucky: their third molars come in straight, healthy, and pain-free. For others, these latecomers cause swelling, infections, or even damage to neighbouring teeth. If you’re living with discomfort or trying to “wait it out,” you’re not alone; many people delay this dental milestone. The risk is that waiting too long can lead to bigger problems. If you’re wondering what happens if you don’t get your wisdom teeth removed, here’s why timing matters, and what’s at stake if you ignore the signs.
Why Wisdom Teeth Are Removed in the First Place
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to come in, usually between ages 17 and 25. But by that time, your mouth is often too crowded to handle extra teeth. That’s where the trouble starts.
Top reasons dentists recommend removing them:
- Not enough space: Your jaw doesn’t always have room for four extra molars.
- Impaction: The teeth get trapped in the gums or jawbone.
- Angle issues: Wisdom teeth often grow sideways, pressing into nearby teeth.
- Hard to clean: Their position makes brushing and flossing difficult.
Even if they don’t hurt right away, wisdom teeth can silently cause damage below the surface. Removal is often about prevention, not just treating pain.
What Happens If You Delay Wisdom Tooth Removal?
We get it, surgery sounds intimidating. But waiting too long can bring much more discomfort than the procedure itself.
So, what happens if you don’t get your wisdom teeth removed? Let’s break it down:
1. Increased Pain and Swelling
Pain usually starts slowly. You might feel soreness in the back of your mouth, or notice swelling around your gums. Over time, the pain gets worse, especially when chewing or opening your mouth wide.
2. Infections
When teeth only partially erupt, they create pockets where food and bacteria get trapped. This leads to gum infections called pericoronitis. It can be painful and may even cause fever or difficulty swallowing.
3. Damage to Nearby Teeth
Wisdom teeth that grow sideways can press against your second molars, damaging the enamel or roots. This may require fillings, root canals, or worse, losing a healthy tooth.
4. Jaw Problems
Impacted wisdom teeth may create cysts or fluid-filled sacs in your jaw. Left untreated, these can damage nerves, bones, or nearby teeth.
Dental Problems Caused by Untreated Wisdom Teeth
Let’s zoom in on the domino effect untreated wisdom teeth can trigger. Even if you’re not in pain now, problems can snowball later.
Common issues include:
- Tooth Crowding:
- Decay and Cavities:
- Gum Disease:
- Cysts and Tumours:
- Headaches and Earaches:
Wisdom teeth can push away your other teeth out of alignment, ruining years of orthodontic work.
Their awkward position makes wisdom teeth tough to clean, creating a breeding ground for plaque.
Hard-to-reach teeth collect bacteria, increasing your risk for periodontal disease.
Rare but serious, cysts can form around impacted teeth, damaging your jawbone and nerves.
When pressure builds in the back of the jaw, pain often radiates to the head, neck, or ears.
Signs It’s Time to See a Dentist Immediately
Still hoping it’ll all work itself out? Don’t ignore the warning signs. Your body sends clear messages when your wisdom teeth need attention.
Book a visit with your dentist in South Calgary if you notice:
- Swelling in the back of your gums or jaw
- Sharp or throbbing pain while eating
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Bad breath or any unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Bleeding or inflamed gums
- A visible flap of gum over the tooth
Even if the pain comes and goes, it’s still a red flag. Wisdom teeth issues tend to escalate quickly once symptoms start.
Why Early Removal Is Better
The earlier you act, the smoother the recovery. Younger patients heal faster, and their wisdom teeth roots are still developing, making the procedure simpler and less invasive.
Benefits of early removal:
- Faster healing time
- Fewer complications
- Less post-op discomfort
- Prevents bigger issues before they start
Plus, you’ll save money by avoiding future treatments for decay, damage, or infection.
What to Expect During Removal
If you’re anxious about surgery, you’re not alone. Most wisdom teeth extractions in Calgary, Alberta, are done in-office with local anesthesia, sedation, or both. Your dentist walks you through every step.
Here’s a quick look at the process:
- Consultation & X-rays:
- Anesthesia Options:
- Extraction:
- Recovery Tips:
Your dentist in South Calgary checks the position of the teeth.
You’ll choose based on your comfort level.
The procedure takes about 45 minutes for all four teeth.
Ice packs, soft foods, and rest are your best friends for a few days.
When you visit a caring practice like Dental at the Met, the experience feels a lot less intimidating. Their team explains everything and makes sure you’re comfortable the entire time.
Final Thoughts
Wisdom teeth are one of those things you don’t want to ignore. Even if they aren’t causing problems now, they can quietly damage your smile over time.
Understanding what happens if you don’t get your wisdom teeth removed can help you take action before complications arise. Whether it’s pain, swelling, or just a feeling that something isn’t right, listen to your body. Early treatment is simpler, safer, and saves you from bigger headaches down the road.