Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Wisdom teeth usually emerge during the ages of 18 and 24. They are not always troublesome, but if wisdom teeth are impacted, they can be a source of pain and inconvenience, and often require treatment.

Definition

• Wisdom teeth are said to be impacted when they are unable to penetrate the gums in the way teeth normally do, and instead remain below the gumline.

Causes

• Normally, impacted wisdom teeth are a result of overcrowded molars or a jawbone that is too small to hold all the teeth. Tumors or cysts can occasionally be a cause as well.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth are pain at the site of the tooth; pain when chewing; pain in the neck, mouth, or head; painful swallowing; tender lymph nodes; an unpleasant taste in the mouth; and difficulty moving the jaw.

Signs

• Signs of impacted teeth include bad breath, swelling in the jaw, and redness surrounding the affected area.

Treatment

• These symptoms can sometimes be treated with common pain medications. Swishing with salt water may also help. However, more severe pain will probably not be cured until the teeth are removed. Consult a dentist to determine the best course of action.