Definition:
In dental terminology an "impacted" tooth refers to a tooth that has not been able to emerge fully into its expected position. This failure to erupt properly might occur since there is not enough room in the person's jaw to accommodate the tooth, or because the angulation of the tooth is improper.
Diagnosis:
A dentist can evaluate the teeth and mouth to determine if there are impacted wisdom teeth or if another condition is causing the problems. Such evaluations typically include: a dental and medical history, dental exam, and dental x-rays.
Treatment:
Impacted wisdom teeth don't always need to be surgically taken out. There are two main treatment options, depending on the severity of the situation and other factors. They are conservative treatment and surgical extraction.
Symptoms and Signs:
Common signs and symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth include: pain or tenderness around the gums; swelling around the jaw; red or swollen gums around the impacted tooth; jaw pain; bad breath; unpleasant taste when biting down or near the area; and prolonged headache or jaw ache.
Causes:
A primary cause of wisdom tooth impaction is simply that there is not enough jawbone space behind the person's second molar. Why this lack of space exists is not fully understood nor known, however there does seem to be a correlation between large tooth size, tooth crowding, and the presence of impacted wisdom teeth.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
