Wisdom Tooth Question

[Meid]

About 2 years ago the dentist did an xray on my lower wisdom teeth. They were quite far down in the gums and horizontally impacted. The dentist said sooner or later they will need to be removed as there is no room for the teeth to come through.

One wisdom tooth has now started to break through the gums. I wasn't expecting this as it was very clearly horizontal in the xray.

It's not bothering me too much but I strongly suspect if I go to the dentist I'll be advised to have the teeth removed. As there is only a tiny bit coming through I assume that will mean a GA which I really don't want.

So, I'm thinking of continuing to avoid the dentist and let the tooth carry on coming through. But does anyone know the likely implications of leaving the tooth? Will I cause myself more problems?

Many thanks.

I also had an impacted lower wisdom tooth which was right through, I kept going to my usual dentist because I was having jaw-ache, the tooth was pushing the others together. He couldn't be bothered to take them out, so I went to another who did.

I also used to have a big gap between my top two front teeth which closed completely, when the upper two wisdom teeth came through. I suspect that if I had left them I would have had a lot more pain and maybe crooked teeth too!

Had two out one year and the other two the next with a GA, was quite sore with some stitches and could only eat soft stuff for a while, the worst bit was not feeling as though my breath was very nice, but soon over.

Hope this helps, good luck!

I kept all my wisdom teeth (until one broke last year) despite my dentist telling me that I'd need to have two removed (upper and lower on one side) because the lower one was coming through at an angle. It straightened itself up and became a Useful Tooth (as did all the others).

My other teeth did get a bit more squashed together but I'd had multiple teeth removed in my teens because of an overcrowded mouth so it wasn't that bad.

If you're not in pain, I'd advocate waiting to see what happens - but if it is causing you pain then go back to the dentist.

The implications of leaving the tooth are shifting of your other teeth. This would be especially bad if you had orthodontia and don't wear your retainer.

You would feel pain. Perhaps this should be your guideline.

Wisdom teeth can keep growing so can easily end up out of line with the rest of your arch, even if they come in straight. My DH had his wisdom teeth out in his mid 30s because they grew too tall and affected the joint in his jaw. I still have all my wisdom teeth and they are below the level of the neighbouring teeth, but I remember real gum problems (infections) when they were coming in.

Thanks everyone for the resposnes - all very helpful.

I'm going to continue to leave it and see what happens. If it looks like its coming through at a funny angle or I start getting pain then I'll go to the dentist.