Blog

Do you have impacted wisdom teeth?

Sun, 6th Nov 2016

Wisdom teeth generally appear between the ages of 17 to 25. When one of these teeth doesn't have enough room to come in normally, it is considered impacted. Teeth may become twisted, tilted, or displaced as they try to emerge.

Impacted wisdom teeth do not always show symptoms, meaning you could have impacted teeth and not even realize it. If symptoms do arise, it is usually the result of the gum on top of the tooth becoming infected or swollen.

The only way to really know if a wisdom tooth that is partially through the gum is impacted is to see a dentist or an oral surgeon for an X-ray. Wisdom teeth often can't grow in normally. When they are impacted, it means the teeth either become stuck under the gum or are only able to partially break through the gum.

Wisdom teeth are the last four of your 32 teeth to erupt.

Symptoms may include pain, swollen and bleeding gums, swelling around the jaw, bad breath, headache or jaw ache, and an unpleasant taste when eating. Some people experience stiffness of the jaw or swollen lymph nodes in the neck. 

Should you experience any of these impacted wisdom tooth symptoms, visit your dentist. Impacted wisdom teeth that are left untreated can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

You may also experience damage to your other teeth, including infection and overcrowding of teeth. In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can cause cysts and tumors. 

Don’t risk it, speak to us and make an appointment if you are unsure. If you catch it early it can be a quick and simple procedure.

Some people have no wisdom teeth at all!

Show your wisdom and see if we can help.

Go Back