Impacted Wisdom Teeth

What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth are third molars at the back of the mouth that don’t have enough room to emerge or develop normally. Impacted wisdom teeth need to be removed as soon as possible so they do not cause problems in the future.

Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to erupt in the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth in the back of their mouth – two on the top and two on the bottom. Impacted wisdom teeth can result in pain, damage to the rest of your teeth, or other dental problems. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may cause no immediate problems. However, since they are hard to clean, they are more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease than the rest of your teeth.

Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth don’t always cause problems or symptoms. If the tooth is infected, damages other teeth, or causes other problems, you could experience these symptoms:

• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Jaw pain
• Swelling around the jaw
• Bad breath
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Difficulty opening your mouth

When to See a Doctor

Impacted wisdom teeth can become a serious problem, so it is best to see a dentist before they cause issues. Learn more about wisdom teeth removal at Moorehead Dentistry by clicking the button below.