Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to erupt, typically appearing in the late teens or early twenties. They are located at the back corners of the mouth, and they often don't have enough space to grow in properly. When this happens, they become impacted.
Impacted wisdom teeth are wisdom teeth that are unable to fully erupt through the gums due to a lack of space or other obstacles. This can cause a variety of problems, including:
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Pain and swelling: Impacted wisdom teeth can put pressure on surrounding teeth and nerves, leading to pain and swelling.
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Infection: Impacted wisdom teeth are more prone to infection, which can spread to other areas of the mouth or even the body.
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Damage to other teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can damage nearby teeth, causing cavities or even requiring extraction.
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Cysts or tumors: In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of cysts or tumors.
Signs and Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Not all impacted wisdom teeth cause symptoms. Many people never even know they have impacted wisdom teeth. However, some common signs and symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include:
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Pain in the jaw or teeth
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Swelling in the jaw or gums
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Redness and inflammation of the gums
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Difficulty opening the mouth
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Bad breath
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A foul taste in the mouth
Diagnosis and Treatment of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
If you suspect you have an impacted wisdom tooth, it's important to see a dentist right away. They will be able to examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted and whether they need to be removed.
The treatment for impacted wisdom teeth is usually extraction. This is a surgical procedure that is performed by an oral surgeon. In some cases, the dentist may be able to remove the wisdom teeth in their office. However, if the teeth are deeply impacted or there are other complications, the surgery may need to be performed in a hospital setting.
Wisdom tooth extraction is a very common procedure, and it is generally safe and effective. However, like any surgery, there are some risks involved. These risks include infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.
Conclusion
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems, so it is important to see a dentist if you suspect you have them. The dentist will be able to determine if your wisdom teeth need to be removed and recommend the best course of treatment.
About GOREgeous Smiles | Meet Dr. Rod Gore & Our Team Learn about Dr. Rod Gore and the GOREgeous Smiles team. Discover our advanced dental technology, patient-centered care, and commitment to healthy smiles. Rod W. Gore, DDS, 8535 E. Hartford Drive #208, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 • 480-585-6225 • goregeoussmiles.com • 4/18/2025 • Key Phrases: dentist Scottsdale AZ •
Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to erupt, typically appearing in the late teens or early twenties. They are located at the back corners of the mouth, and they often don't have enough space to grow in properly. When this happens, they become impacted.