Wisdom Teeth

An impacted tooth is a tooth that gets blocked as it is pushing through the gum into your mouth (erupting). Wisdom teeth often are impacted. Wisdom teethusually begin to come in between the ages of 17 and 21. Dentists call these teeth third molars. Do all impacted teeth need to be removed? These so-called impacted wisdom teeth have the potential to cause a host of problems, including swelling or ulceration of the gums around these teeth, cysts or tumors, and damage, decay, or disease in the second molars. However, many people can go their entire lives without these teeth causing any problems. How do you know if you have a wisdom tooth infection? Along with the pain, a wisdom tooth infection might also cause sore throats and swollen lymph glands just under the jaw. Swelling of the face and jaw, pus drainage and the presence of a bad smell or taste in your mouth are other common signs of infected wisdom teeth. You may also find it very difficult to chew or eat. How long does it take for a wisdom tooth pain to go away? After 24 hours, ice has no beneficial effect on swelling, however if it helps control pain, feel free to continue to use it. Swelling and jaw stiffness may persist for 7 -14 days.