My wisdom tooth isn't hurting, but food keeps getting stuck and the area smells bad. Google scared me with infection stories, while some people say don’t remove it unless there’s pain. I’m genuinely confused. Should wisdom teeth be removed proactively or only when they cause problems?

Ans: Hi
That decision can only be made after evaluating history, clinical signs and xrays. Kindly consult your dentist for advice.

Ans: HiAll invasive dental procedures have to be carried out in joint consultation with your gynaecologist and dentist. If the extraction can be postponed until after delivery it should be

Ans: Hello

Not removing impacted wisdom teeth can lead to several potential risks and complications, including:

1. Pain and discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause recurrent pain, swelling, and discomfort in the jaw, gums, and surrounding teeth.
2. Infection: Impacted teeth can be difficult to clean, increasing the risk of infection, abscesses, and cysts.
3. Damage to surrounding teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can push against adjacent teeth, potentially causing damage, crowding, or orthodontic issues.
4. Gum disease: Impacted teeth can create pockets that trap bacteria, leading to gum disease and potentially affecting overall oral health.
5. Tooth decay: Impacted teeth can be challenging to clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay and cavities.

When to Consider Extraction
1. Symptomatic teeth: If you're experiencing pain, discomfort, or other symptoms related to your wisdom teeth.
2. If your dentist recommends removal due to potential risks or complications.

Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor the development and health of your wisdom teeth.
This helps your dentist or oral surgeon to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Ans: Hello

Since your wisdom tooth has partially erupted, it's essential to monitor it regularly. Even if it doesn't hurt or bother you now, there are potential risks to consider:

1. *Infection*: Partially erupted teeth can be prone to infection, especially if bacteria accumulate in the surrounding gum tissue.
2. *Tooth decay*: The partially exposed tooth can be more challenging to clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Monitoring and Maintenance is very important.
Schedule regular appointments with your dentist to monitor the tooth's progress and overall oral health.
Maintain excellent oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing, to reduce the risk of infection and tooth decay.

Since your other three wisdom teeth haven't erupted yet, your dentist will likely monitor them as well to assess their development and potential impact on your oral health.
If one or more of them are misaligned or likely to cause problems in the future, your dentist may recommend removal.

Your dentist will help you decide the best approach based on your individual situation.

Ans: Hello

Wisdom teeth usually "stop growing" by the age of 25, provided they are properly aligned and there's sufficient space for them to erupt. But, more often than not, they are not properly aligned or there may not be enough space for them.
Curiously, teeth never actually stop growing unless there's something blocking their growth. Like an opposing tooth, for instance. If an upper tooth is extracted and not replaced with an artificial tooth, the opposing lower tooth can theoretically keep growing into the empty space above.
Your wisdom tooth is improperly aligned and hence will continue to grow indefinitely.
Since you mentioned that it's been troubling you for several years, my advice would be to get it extracted