What problems can an impacted wisdom tooth cause?
• Impacted teeth can be painful and lead to infection. • They may also crowd or damage adjacent teeth or roots. • More serious problems may occur if the sac surrounding the impacted tooth becomes filled with fluid and enlarges to form a cyst. As the cyst grows it may hollow out the jaw and permanently damage adjacent teeth, the surrounding bone and nerves. Many dentists will suggest that unless a wisdom tooth has completely erupted and is in perfect alignment that it be removed to prevent these complications. It is often preferable to have wisdom teeth removed before age 25 due to the flexibility of bone, which will allow an easier removal and better healing. As a person ages, the bone becomes more rigid, the nerve roots become longer and complications can develop.
