Impacted Wisdom Teeth Symptoms

Wisdom teeth or the third molars, as they are known in medical terms, are the last set of teeth to erupt through the gums in our mouth. They usually come when the person is between 17 to 25 years of age. As this period is also known as the 'Age of Wisdom', this set of teeth is referred to as 'wisdom teeth'.

An impacted tooth is actually the tooth that fails to break through the gums and emerges only partially. This generally happens when there is not enough space for the wisdom tooth to emerge. It gets stuck against the tooth that is present in front of it.

Sometimes, an overlying gum may also be responsible for the tooth to be impacted, as it gets stuck in the gum tissue. The teeth may become twisted, tilted, or displaced as they try to emerge. Healthy and properly positioned wisdom teeth cause no problem while emerging, and can easily break through the gums and come out completely.

Impacted teeth are not always accompanied by symptoms, and are absolutely painless. They cause no apparent trouble even when they are stuck. A little bit of pain and discomfort may follow, which is bearable and temporary, and usually disappears in a few days.

However, in some cases, an impacted wisdom tooth may cause trouble, so serious, that it has to be removed. Partially emerged wisdom tooth may result in trapping of food, debris, and plaque in the soft tissue around it, causing infections and tenderness of gums, and tooth decay.

The pain in such cases is unbearable, and needs immediate treatment. Some of the commonly seen symptoms of this dental condition are as follows:

• Bad breath
• Unpleasant taste

• Pain in the jawbone
• Visible gap in place of the tooth that has not emerged
• Tenderness in the gums
• Redness or swelling in the gums and area around the impacted tooth
• Difficulty in opening the mouth
• Prolonged headache
• Swollen lymph nodes (occasionally)

Gums in the surrounding area are prone to inflammation, and the infection may spread to the adjacent teeth or roots. Sometimes, it may happen that the sac, that surrounds the affected tooth, gets filled with fluid.

When a lot of fluid gets trapped in the sac, it may enlarge and form a cyst. The cyst may damage the adjacent teeth, nerves, and bones and may even hollow out the jaw, as it grows. If this condition is left untreated, a tumor may develop from the walls, and may leave only the option of surgery.

People generally go in for over-the-counter painkillers to ease the pain and swelling associated with this dental problem. Mouth washes prescribed by your dentist, may soothe your gums, and may also help to solve the problem of bad breath.

However, the most common and probably the best treatment is extraction of the affected tooth. It is a simple procedure, usually done by the dentist, however, certain serious cases may require an oral surgeon for the removal of the tooth. In case of a serious infection, antibiotics may be prescribed before the extraction procedure.

If you see any of the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth mentioned above, consult your dentist, and get it treated right away.