Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth are common, but usually cause no trouble unless they partially penetrate the gum, leaving a flap of tissue over most of the crown.  Plaque, bacteria and food debris then collect between the tooth and the gum, which often becomes inflamed and painful.  There may also be swollen lymph nodes in the upper neck and difficulty opening the mouth.  

Rinsing the area with warm salt water and taking pain killers may relieve symptoms but, if infection is present antibiotic drugs are required.