Problems caused by impacted wisdom teeth

As a wisdom tooth starts to push through the gum, the flap of gum overlying it becomes inflamed and swollen. This usually results in pain, bad breath, a swollen neck and often discharge (pus) oozing from the gum . The ability to open you mouth can become limited and swallowing can be painful. You can feel generally unwell and may run a fever. It may settle down with mouth rinses and antibiotics, but until the wisdom tooth is removed, infection is likely to re-occur.

Pressure from the wisdom tooth may cause pain or discomfort in the tooth next to it or in the surrounding jaw bone. You can also experience headaches on the relevant side.

» Click here to download a PDF, illustrating the various forms of wisdom teeth problems