The Dangers of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth and Symptoms You Should Look Out For

Many people have their wisdom teeth removed as teenagers. This is highly common, but not the rule. For some who may have neglected seeing the dentist for some time, these wisdom teeth can begin to try to break through. In some cases, they break through successfully. If there is not enough room for a tooth to break through the gums or the wisdom tooth is coming in at an angle, it could become impacted below the gum line. You will want the tooth removed as soon as possible when this happens. If you reside in the Bardstown, Kentucky, area, Dr. Michael Walton and the friendly team at Walton Family Dentistry would love to welcome you to their office. 

Here are some symptoms that could mean you have an impacted wisdom tooth.

Symptoms of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth

For some, wisdom teeth come in without issue. For others, a dentist will schedule to have the wisdom teeth removed due to signs of an issue with them coming in properly. Of particular concern is if a wisdom tooth becomes impacted. If a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, some of the following symptoms could present themselves as warning signs.

1. Gum Discomfort

One sign of wisdom tooth impaction could be irritated, swollen, tender, or red gums. The gum tissues surrounding the impacted wisdom tooth will become prone to infection, leading to gum disease.

2. Jaw Pain

A symptom typically indicative of hard tissue impaction, jaw pain can surface when a wisdom tooth begins to exert pressure on an adjacent tooth. The discomfort can be quite acute and painful when this happens. Wisdom teeth are also susceptible to decay, which can result in decay spreading to neighboring teeth. This can lead to pulp infection, nerve and blood vessel damage, and pain that radiates from the jaw.

3. Swelling

When a wisdom tooth becomes impacted, swelling will be a likely result. A tooth that has become impacted can develop a severe infection, resulting in a pus pocket at or near the tooth’s root called an abscess. Swelling in the cheek, jaw, or neck results from severe inflammation caused by infection and will require immediate treatment. An abscess can quickly spread to other areas of the body and even become life-threatening.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Walton at Walton Family Dentistry, please call (502) 610-0151 today.

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