Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop, typically emerging between the ages of 17 and 25. A tooth is considered impacted when it is unable to fully erupt into the mouth due to lack of space or an improper angle of growth. Impaction occurs when the tooth is blocked by other teeth or remains trapped beneath the gum line or jawbone.
This condition is widespread, often because the modern human jaw lacks sufficient room to accommodate these late arrivals. An impacted tooth may be fully trapped under the bone or only partially break through the gum tissue. While some impactions remain silent, many eventually cause discomfort and require attention.
Subjective Symptoms of Impaction
The most common indicator of impaction is the onset of pain or pressure in the back of the mouth. This discomfort can manifest as a persistent, dull ache deep in the jaw or as sharp pain that intensifies when chewing. The pain is often caused by the pressure exerted by the misaligned tooth against surrounding teeth, nerves, or the jawbone.
This pain frequently radiates outward, extending toward the ear or causing stiffness in the neck. The pressure from the impacted tooth can also lead to frequent headaches or facial pain that mimics sinus pressure.
Difficulty opening the mouth fully, known as trismus, is another symptom. Irritation and swelling caused by the impaction, especially if infection is present, limit jaw mobility. This stiffness makes actions like talking or eating a challenge.
Observable Signs in the Mouth
An impacted tooth often produces specific, visible changes in the mouth. The gum tissue behind the last visible molar may appear swollen, red, and tender to the touch. This localized inflammation is frequently a sign of pericoronitis, an infection of the soft tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
A partially erupted tooth may be covered by a flap of gum tissue, known as an operculum. This flap traps food particles and bacteria, creating a breeding ground for infection. Active infection may result in a discharge of pus from the inflamed gum area.
Persistent bad breath, or halitosis, that does not resolve with regular hygiene is another sign. Bacterial accumulation under the gum flap releases foul-smelling compounds. This bacterial activity can also cause a persistent, unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Serious Health Issues Caused by Untreated Impaction
Ignoring an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to consequences beyond localized pain. One common complication is the development of decay in the adjacent second molar. The impacted tooth creates a difficult-to-clean space that traps food and bacteria, increasing the risk of dental decay and gum disease in the neighboring tooth.
The constant pressure from the misaligned tooth can cause direct physical harm to the tooth next to it. This pressure may lead to root resorption, which is the gradual loss of the second molar’s root structure. This damage is irreversible and may necessitate the extraction of the otherwise healthy second molar.
Cyst and Tumor Formation
The sac surrounding the developing wisdom tooth within the jawbone can fill with fluid, forming a cyst. These fluid-filled sacs expand over time, slowly destroying nearby jawbone, tissue, and nerves. An untreated cyst may lead to the development of a tumor, requiring extensive surgical intervention to remove the growth and repair the damaged bone.
Systemic Infection
An infection like pericoronitis can escalate beyond the mouth if left unchecked. The infection may spread into the face, throat, or neck, potentially leading to a severe systemic issue. Timely professional evaluation is important to prevent these complications and protect overall oral health.