Impacted wisdom 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 will disappear 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. Impacted wisdom teeth pain in such cases is unbearable and needs immediate treatment.

Impacted Wisdom Tooth Symptoms

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)

Gum 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 impacted 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 surgical removal.