What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?

Wisdom teeth, known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop and emerge. An impacted wisdom tooth occurs when there is not enough room for the tooth to emerge properly, or it becomes trapped beneath the gums or jawbone.

There are several types of wisdom tooth impaction:

• Soft Tissue Impaction: The wisdom tooth has passed through the jawbone but remains partially or completely covered by gum tissue.

• Partial Bony Impaction: Part of the wisdom tooth remains trapped beneath the jawbone, while another portion may emerge through the gums.

• Full Bony Impaction: The wisdom tooth is completely encased in the jawbone and has not emerged through the gums.

Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth do not always cause symptoms. However, signs of a problem may include:

• Pain or pressure at the back of the mouth.

• Tender, swollen, or bleeding gums near the wisdom teeth.

• Difficulty chewing or opening your mouth.

• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Possible Complications of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth that cause pain, infection, or damage to neighboring teeth may need to be removed. However, asymptomatic wisdom teeth do not always require extraction and can sometimes be monitored through regular dental examinations and X-rays.

Common complications include:

• Tooth Decay: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create spaces where food and bacteria collect, increasing the risk of cavities.

• Gum Disease: Impacted wisdom teeth can make proper cleaning difficult, increasing the risk of gum inflammation and infection.

• Damage to Surrounding Teeth: Wisdom teeth growing at an angle can put pressure on neighboring molars and potentially damage their roots or contribute to decay.

Do You Have Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

At Perry Dental, we can help determine whether you have impacted wisdom teeth and recommend the appropriate treatment. Call our office today to schedule a consultation!