Warning Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted teeth occur when a tooth fails to emerge fully from the gum line. This condition is common with wisdom teeth but can also occur with other teeth. In some cases, impacted teeth may not show any symptoms, but in other cases, the following warning signs may be present:
Pain:
Impacted teeth can cause pain in the jaw, ear, or throat. The pain can be sharp or dull and can come and go or be constant.
Swelling:
If an impacted tooth is infected, it can cause swelling in the gum tissue around the affected area. The swelling can be mild or severe and cause discomfort or difficulty opening the mouth.
Bad Breath:
Infection and inflammation caused by impacted teeth can lead to bad breath. This can be persistent and difficult to eliminate with regular brushing or mouthwash.
Difficulty Opening t he Mouth:
If an impacted tooth is causing swelling, pain, or inflammation in the jaw, it may be difficult to open the mouth fully.
Changes i n Bite:
Impacted teeth can cause changes in the bite. This may be due to the pressure the tooth puts on other teeth or the shifting of the surrounding teeth due to the impacted tooth.
Visible T ooth:
An impacted tooth may partially emerge from the gum line or be visible in the back of the mouth. This can cause discomfort and make cleaning the tooth difficult.
Infection:
In some cases, an impacted tooth can lead to an infection. Signs of infection can include fever, chills, and general malaise.