Impacted wisdom teeth can cause several problems in the mouth:


  • Damage to adjacent teeth. If the wisdom tooth pushes against the second molar, it may damage the second molar and increase the risk of infection in that area. This pressure can also create problems like crowding of the other teeth and subsequent infection in the healthy teeth as well.
  • Cysts. The wisdom tooth develops in a sac within the jawbone. This sac can get filled with fluid, forming a cyst that can damage the jawbone, teeth ,nerves and surrounding structures. Sometimes, a tumour usually non cancerous (benign) — develops. This complication may require removal of tissue and bone.
  • Decay. Partially impacted wisdom teeth appear to be at higher risk of tooth decay (caries) than other teeth. This probably occurs because wisdom teeth are inaccessible and difficult to clean so food and bacteria get easily trapped between the gums and a partially erupted tooth.
  • Gum disease. Due to difficulty in cleaning the partially impacted tooth,  the risk of developing a painful, inflammatory gum condition called Pericoronitis develops in that area.
It is therefore advisable to go to your dentist as soon as one encounters wisdom tooth eruption symptoms.