What does it mean to have impacted wisdom teeth? - Ryan* Wisdom
teeth are the third set of molars located in the very back of
the mouth. They are the last teeth to grow in, usually between
the ages of 17 and 21. In many people, wisdom teeth are unable
to grow in normally. The teeth either become stuck under the gum
or are only able to partially break through the gum. Dentists
call these teeth impacted. Wisdom teeth usually become impacted
because the jaw doesn't have enough space for all the teeth that
are growing in, or because the tooth comes in at the wrong angle
and bumps into the tooth in front of it. Impacted wisdom teeth
are fairly common. Although some people never have any trouble
with them, impacted wisdom teeth can cause problems. An impacted
wisdom tooth can sometimes trap food, plaque, and other debris
in the soft tissue around it, leading to swelling, gum
tenderness, cavities, and bad breath. Because they may damage
other teeth — or cause pain or infection — dentists or oral
surgeons often remov