Impacted wisdom teeth, Part 2
When debris and bacteria are trapped between the crown of the wisdom tooth and the gum, the peridontal tissues become infected, leading to periconitis. This is evidenced by swelling and pain of the cheek and lymph nodes, fever and bad breath. Dental caries may also develop because of the plaque buildup in the area between the around the impacted tooth, which is difficult to clean. The root of the adjacent tooth may also be affected and cysts may also develop. If any of these occur, the impacted wisdom tooth should be pulled out before any orthodontic treatment, radiotherapy or jawbone reconstruction surgery. Extraction is usually surgical because of the position of the teeth. In many cases, all four wisdom teeth are removed. This may be done all at once, or by pairs, either the bottom and upper halves or by side.