Impacted wisdom teeth

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis Complications Treatments and drugs Coping and support

Definition

Wisdom teeth that become impacted can cause a variety of problems, from nuisance pain to serious dental disorders. Impacted wisdom teeth often must be surgically removed.

Wisdom teeth are your third molars that are way in the back of your mouth. You usually have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of your mouth - two on top, two on bottom. Wisdom teeth are the last of your teeth to come in, or erupt through the gums. They normally emerge between ages 17 and 25.

Wisdom teeth often aren't able to emerge normally and instead become impacted, or trapped within your jaw. Understanding more about impacted wisdom teeth can help you decide how and when to treat them and how to prevent related complications.

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Symptoms