Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the very final teeth to develop in the mouth. While some people experience no issues when their wisdom teeth erupt, others may develop an impacted wisdom tooth. If left untreated, an impacted wisdom tooth might cause oral health problems.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about impacted wisdom teeth, including why they occur, how they affect oral health, treatment options, and what to expect during wisdom teeth removal so that you can protect your oral health.
What Is An Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that does not have sufficient space to emerge or develop properly. This can result in the tooth emerging at the wrong angle or not emerging at all.
Lower and upper wisdom teeth typically develop between the ages of 17 and 25. However, due to a lack of enough space in the jaw, many wisdom teeth become impacted.
Types Of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
The way an impacted wisdom tooth is in the jaw determines the type of impaction and whether intervention is needed.
Understanding these classifications can help you recognise how your wisdom teeth affect your oral health and whether you may require having your wisdom teeth removed.
1. Vertical Impaction
A vertically impacted wisdom tooth remains in an upright position, similar to how other molar teeth typically erupt. However, in some cases, there is not enough room in the jaw for the tooth to fully emerge. As a result, the wisdom tooth remains trapped beneath the gum tissue or only partially erupts.
A vertically impacted wisdom tooth may not always cause immediate issues. However, if it presses against nearby teeth, it can create pressure, discomfort, or difficulties with proper cleaning. Over time, this increases the likelihood of tooth decay, gum inflammation, and infections.
2. Horizontal Impaction
A horizontally impacted wisdom tooth is one of the most challenging types of impaction. Instead of growing in an upright position, the wisdom tooth grows sideways, directly pressing against the second molars. This can cause pain, pressure, and potential damage to the surrounding teeth and jawbone.
When a wisdom tooth is impacted in this way, it may increase the risk of:
Misalignment Of Other Teeth: Pressure from the impacted wisdom tooth can shift other teeth out of their correct position, sometimes leading to the need for orthodontic treatment.
Tooth Damage: The constant pressure from a horizontally impacted wisdom tooth can weaken or erode the neighbouring second molars.
Jaw Complications: In rare cases, this type of impaction may contribute to jaw fractures if left untreated for an extended period.
Because horizontally impacted wisdom teeth cannot erupt naturally, they often require surgical removal to prevent long-term oral health problems.
3. Mesial Impaction
A mesially impacted wisdom tooth is one that angles forward towards the second molars. This is the most common type of impaction, and it ranges from mild to severe, depending on how much of the tooth has emerged from the gum tissue.
If the tooth is only partially erupted, it can create a small pocket where food particles and bacteria accumulate, increasing the risk of:
Tooth Decay: The trapped debris can lead to plaque buildup and decay in both the wisdom tooth and the neighbouring molars.
Gum Disease And Infections: Inflammation in the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth can lead to periodontal disease or painful infections.
Unpleasant Taste And Bad Breath: Bacteria accumulation in hard-to-clean areas can cause persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
A mesially impacted wisdom tooth may eventually erupt on its own, but in many cases, it requires monitoring or wisdom teeth removal if it begins to cause dental problems.
4. Distal Impaction
A distally impacted wisdom tooth is the opposite of a mesial impaction—the tooth is angled backwards, away from the second molars.
This type of impaction is less common, but when it occurs, it can create complications depending on the severity of the angulation.
If the impaction angle is minimal, the wisdom tooth may remain dormant and not require removal unless it causes discomfort.
If the angle is more severe, the wisdom tooth may become fully impacted in the upper jaw or lower wisdom teeth area, increasing the risk of cyst formation around a developing wisdom tooth or pressure on the jawbone.
Fully Impacted VS Partially Impacted Wisdom Teeth
In addition to these impactions, wisdom teeth can also be classified as fully or partially impacted.
Fully Impacted Wisdom Tooth: The tooth remains completely trapped under the gum tissue and does not break through the surface.
Partially Impacted Wisdom Tooth: Part of the wisdom tooth emerges from the gum tissue while the rest remains beneath the surface.
Both conditions can lead to future problems, such as gum infections, swelling, pain, and difficulty cleaning the area, which is why regular dental check-ups are essential.
How Do Dentists Determine The Type Of Impaction?
A dentist will use advanced scans to evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth. These scans help determine whether the impacted wisdom tooth will likely lead to oral health problems and whether wisdom teeth removal is the best action.
If you doubt you have an impacted wisdom tooth, seeking professional advice can help prevent complications and keep your oral health in top condition.
If your impacted wisdom tooth is causing discomfort, crowding, or other oral health problems, your dentist may recommend that you remove wisdom teeth.
While the idea of a dental procedure might seem daunting, understanding every step can help you feel more confident and prepared.
Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after the wisdom teeth removal process.
1. Preparing For The Procedure
Before the surgery, a consultation with your dentist is necessary to determine if wisdom teeth removal is required.
During this appointment, your dentist will use X-rays to evaluate the position of the impacted tooth. This will allow them to plan the most effective approach for the surgery.
2. The Surgical Removal Process
When the procedure begins, the dentist will form a cut in the gum tissue to access the impacted tooth. Sometimes, the tooth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces to make removing it easier.
Once the tooth is extracted, the dentist thoroughly cleans the tooth socket. If needed, stitches may be placed to ensure proper healing.
3. Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal
After the surgery, it’s normal to experience some swelling and discomfort for a few days. To aid recovery, avoiding hard or crunchy foods during the first few days is recommended.
Following your dentist’s post-surgery care instructions is crucial to avoid complications, such as dry sockets, and to ensure proper healing of the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my wisdom teeth if they aren’t causing issues?
Will I need time off work after wisdom teeth removal?
Yes, you might take a day or two off work to allow for healing, especially if they undergo surgical removal under general anaesthesia.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot protecting the tooth socket becomes dislodged, exposing the bone and nerves. This can cause severe pain and delay healing.
Final Thoughts
An impacted wisdom tooth can sometimes go unnoticed, but sometimes it causes oral health problems. If you suspect you have an impacted wisdom tooth, a dental professional can help you determine the best course of action.
Whether it’s monitoring the tooth or opting for wisdom teeth removal, early intervention can help prevent future problems and promote your oral health.
If you’re experiencing discomfort from an impacted wisdom tooth, our team is here to provide expert guidance and gentle care every step of the way.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources
Brazier Y. What to Know About Impacted Wisdom Teeth [Internet]. Medical News Today. 2023 [cited 2025 Feb 21]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/188660
Burch K. How To Know If You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed [Internet]. Business Insider. 2021 [cited 2025 Feb 21]. Available from: https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/dental/wisdom-teeth-removal
McPhillips A. Wisdom Teeth Removal: What Adults Should Expect [Internet]. WebMD. 2024 [cited 2025 Feb 21]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/wisdom-teeth-adult
Kwon G, Serra M. Pericoronitis [Internet]. StatPearls [Internet]. 2022 [cited 2025 Feb 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576411/
Sample J. Your guide to wisdom teeth removal recovery [Internet]. GoodRx. 2022 [cited 2025 Feb 21]. Available from: https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/dental-care/wisdom-teeth-removal-recovery
