Food debris and
bacteria are easily trapped in the space between
the crown of the wisdom tooth and the overlying
gingiva (gum), resulting in the infection of the
periodontal tissues (Pericoronitis). Furthermore,
the infected, swollen overlying gingiva is often
bitten by the opposing tooth making it difficult
to recover.
Pericoronitis has the following signs and symptoms:
pain and swelling of the cheek
difficulty in opening the mouth
pain when swallowing
swollen lymph nodes in the neck
fever
bad breath
Dental Caries
Since it is difficult to clean the surfaces between the impacted tooth and the adjacent tooth in front, dental plaque will accumulate there and cause Dental Caries on these tooth surfaces.
Root resorption of the neighbouring tooth
The inflammation of the periodontal tissues caused by the dental plaque, together with the pressure of the wisdom tooth pushing on the adjacent tooth in front, may cause the root of the adjacent tooth to resorb.
