What happens when a wisdom tooth comes up partially?

In case wisdom teeth emerge partially, and the rest of them stay submerged, the surrounding gum may get infected and inflamed. This leads to swelling of the cheek and the neck.

Becomes worse in times of stress…

This swelling, called pericornitis, tends to become acute in times of high stress when the immune system is not at its best condition, and when bacteria lie in wait for of infection the crown of the wisdom tooth.

How bacteria get into wisdom teeth

Usually at the end of the mouth, where wisdom teeth are placed, there is a gum flap that may extend over the tooth’s surface. Debris and food may get trapped inside under this gum, and this obviously leads to infection.

When wisdom teeth emerge well or bad

When the wisdom tooth emerges in good position, the flap can be trimmed, so any infection will be avoided. This procedure is called Operculectomy.

When the tooth does not emerge because there is no place for it, then it has to be extracted. A wisdom tooth extraction is done by an oral surgeon.