1. Pain

As the wisdom tooth erupts this can cause pressure pain in the upper and lower jaws as the wisdom tooth pushes on the overlying gum. The gum may swell and become irritated, causing pain in the surrounding area. Pain can occur for several days and then disappear for days to months before returning. Often pain increases the longer it is left untreated. It is hard to know when the pain can flare up again.

2. Repeated infection of soft (gum) tissue behind the lower last tooth (pericoronitis)

A partially erupted wisdom tooth can trap food, plaque and debris leading to gum swelling, tooth decay and an infection called pericoronitis. People may notice an unpleasant taste, bad breath or pus coming from the gum. If left untreated, infection from pericoronitis can spread toward the throat or neck and require treatment (surgery) in hospital. 

3. Fluid filled sacs (cysts) and tumours

An impacted wisdom tooth may develop a fluid filled sac called a cyst. This may continue to get larger over time and can affect nearby structures such as neighbouring teeth, surrounding jaw bone or nerves.

Impacted wisdom teeth may also develop benign (harmless) growths known as tumours, which can grow and damage the surrounding jaw bone and teeth if left untreated. 

4. Cheek biting or ulcers

Wisdom teeth that grow sideways in the upper jaw can often cause damage to the gum and cheeks from biting or rubbing, causing painful ulcers.

5. Damage to nearby teeth

An impacted wisdom tooth may put pressure on the next tooth and its root structure, causing it to resorb. It can also trap food and cause decay at the back of the neighbouring tooth, which can be difficult to treat.

6. Gum disease

A wisdom tooth that erupts partially in the gum can create a passageway that traps food and bacteria which can cause gum disease and infection. 

7. Extensive tooth decay

Even if the teeth have fully erupted and are visible, they can be hard to reach and difficult to clean properly. This leads to decay which can become harder to perform treatments such as fillings.  

8. Sinus issues

The upper wisdom teeth may have roots that are located close to the sinuses in the face and can cause pressure as they erupt. This can cause problems such as congestion, sinus pain/ headaches or sinus infections.

9. Misalignment of other teeth

If wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to erupt normally, they may crowd or damage nearby teeth. Some people may notice teeth appearing more crowded once the wisdom teeth start to come through, especially after having braces. Misalignment due to wisdom teeth can make it difficult to open and close the mouth and cause pain when chewing or biting.

10. Difficulty removing when older

As you get older the jaw bone surrounding the teeth become less elastic. This means that an impacted tooth surrounding bone can become harder to remove at a later stage. 

Wisdom teeth often become problematic over time. As you have little control over your wisdom teeth it is important to  maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly.