Learn what a typical Wisdom teeth, impacted prognosis is at Consumer Reports Health.

Wisdom teeth, impacted

What will happen to me?

Wisdom teeth can be impacted but still not bother you. If your wisdom teeth aren't causing problems, you may not need to have them taken out. But it's hard to say for sure what will happen in the future.

If you keep your wisdom teeth

There's not enough good research to say for sure what will happen.

You may never get any symptoms from them at all. Many impacted wisdom teeth never cause problems.
Your impacted wisdom teeth may eventually grow normally.

Source:
National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.
Guidance on the removal of wisdom teeth: patient notes.
Available at: http://www.nice.org.uk (accessed on 5 March 2009).

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On the other hand, you may get a problem in the future, like an

infection
You get an infection when viruses, bacteria, fungi or other tiny organisms get into your body. These bugs are so tiny that you can't see them without a microscope. For example, an infection in your airways causes the common cold. And an infection in your skin can cause rashes such as athlete's foot.

infection, a cavity or gum disease. Sometimes impacted wisdom teeth can damage nearby teeth and bone.

Source:
Song F, O'Meara S, Wilson P, et al.
The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of prophylactic removal of wisdom teeth.
Health Technology Assessment. 2000; 4: 1-55.

²

If you have your wisdom teeth taken out

If you do have your wisdom teeth removed, you need to know that you will take a while to recover from the surgery. Younger people tend to recover faster than older people.

The surgery can cause pain and swelling.
This can keep you out of work or school for several days.
There's also a risk of more permanent problems.

To learn more about the risks of surgery, see Removing impacted wisdom teeth that aren't causing problems.

Sources for the information on this page:

National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.Guidance on the removal of wisdom teeth: patient notes.Available at: http://www.nice.org.uk (accessed on 5 March 2009).

Song F, O'Meara S, Wilson P, et al.The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of prophylactic removal of wisdom teeth.Health Technology Assessment. 2000; 4: 1-55.

This information was last updated on Mar 06, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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