Do you have impacted wisdom teeth? Here’s what you need to know!

25 Nov

Wisdom teeth, often dubbed the “third molars,” typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. As dentists, one of the most common dental issues we see is the impaction of these teeth.

But what exactly does it mean for a wisdom tooth to be impacted? And what do you need to do if your wisdom teeth are impacted?

In this guide, we’ll answer all these questions and cover the basics of everything you should know when it comes to impacted wisdom teeth.

What does it mean to have ‘impacted wisdom teeth’?

If you’ve been told you have impacted wisdom teeth it means that these third molars have not fully emerged through the gums due to various reasons, such as lack of space in the jaw or the teeth being angled incorrectly. When wisdom teeth are impacted, they can become trapped beneath the gum line or only partially break through. This is a term you may have heard wisdom teeth referred to as ‘partially erupted’.

How do you know if you have impacted wisdom teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth or a single impacted wisdom tooth is usually diagnosed by a dentist using a dental x-ray. However, you may be able to tell yourself. Here are some common signs and steps to help identify impacted wisdom teeth:

Your teeth appear visibly impacted

You may notice that one or more of your wisdom teeth have partially erupted through the gum line.

Pain or discomfort

Persistent pain in the back of the mouth, jaw, or around the gum area where the wisdom teeth are located. Pain and difficulty closing your teeth to make contact.

Swelling and redness

Swollen or inflamed gums around the area of the impacted tooth.

Difficulty opening your mouth

Limited jaw movement or stiffness, making it painful to open your mouth fully.

Why treat impacted wisdom teeth

It is important to note, even if you are fairly certain yourself that your wisdom teeth are impacted and you don’t think they are causing you any problems, you should still visit your dentist. If left untreated, impacted wisdom teeth could lead to other complications such as:

On-going dain and discomfort

Impacted teeth can cause significant pain, especially if they put pressure on neighbouring teeth or if inflammation occurs.

Tooth decay

Impacted wisdom teeth are harder to clean properly, increasing the risk of cavities in both the wisdom teeth and adjacent molars

Gum infections

Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create a flap of gum tissue that traps food and bacteria, leading to infections or gum disease.

Gum disease

The accumulation of plaque and bacteria around impacted teeth can lead to gingivitis and more severe periodontal disease.

Crowding and misalignment

Impacted wisdom teeth can push against nearby teeth, causing misalignment and crowding, which may necessitate further orthodontic treatment in the future such as braces, or Invisalign.

How do you treat impacted wisdom teeth?

If you have impacted wisdom teeth that don't cause any pain or complications, your dentist may give you the option of no treatment in the short term, whilst carefully monitoring them over time.

However, if the impacted wisdom teeth are causing pain, infection, or other dental issues, wisdom teeth extraction is usually recommended. Impacted wisdom teeth can be removed in a dental clinic. However, there may be some instances where your dentist will recommend having a surgical extraction under general anaesthesia.

Like with many things in life, there’s no one size fits all approach to wisdom teeth. Your dentist will recommend the best treatment options for your individual needs.

The importance of regular dental check-ups for monitoring impacted wisdom teeth

Regular dental check-ups are important for monitoring impacted wisdom teeth, as they could allow your dentist to detect any potential issues early on. Routine examinations often include X-rays that can reveal the position of your wisdom teeth and any signs of impaction, infection, or crowding.

By keeping track of these factors, your dentist can recommend timely dental treatments, preventing complications such as pain, infection, or damage to neighbouring teeth. Moreover, early detection and management of impacted wisdom teeth could also lead to less invasive treatments and a smoother recovery process.

Not only are regular dental check-ups super important for monitoring the state of your wisdom teeth, but also for your overall oral health. Don’t wait until you’re experiencing tooth pain or discomfort, schedule your dentist appointment today!

At Cambridge City Dental, our team is dedicated to providing personalised care and ensuring your smile stays healthy. Whether you need a routine check-up or a consultation about your wisdom teeth, our doors are always open to new patients.

Frequently asked questions

No, not all impacted wisdom teeth are problematic. Some people may have impacted wisdom teeth that remain asymptomatic for life, meaning they don’t cause any pain or other issues. In such cases, dentists may recommend monitoring the teeth rather than immediate extraction. However, even if they aren’t currently causing problems, impacted wisdom teeth can become problematic for you in the future, such as infections, damage to adjacent teeth, or cyst formation. Which is why it's still important to book regular check-ups to monitor them.
The process for extracting impacted wisdom teeth begins with a consultation and evaluation by a dentist or oral surgeon, including X-rays to assess the tooth's position. Depending on the complexity, various anaesthesia options may be recommended, ranging from local anaesthetic to general anaesthesia. During the procedure, an incision is made in the gum to access the wisdom tooth, and any necessary bone is removed. The tooth is then extracted and the incision is closed with sutures.
It’s a really common procedure and in most cases people recover fairly quickly. Our team has also written an article that provides an overview of what to expect throughout the procedure, which you can read here.
A dentist can determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted through a combination of methods including:
- Clinical examinations: During a routine check-up, the dentist will visually inspect your mouth and gums for signs of impaction, such as swelling, redness, or discomfort around the wisdom teeth.
- X-rays: Dental X-rays are essential for assessing wisdom teeth position. They provide a clear view of whether the teeth are impacted, partially erupted, or properly aligned, and they help identify any potential issues with surrounding teeth and bone.
- Symptom assessments: The dentist will ask about any symptoms you may be experiencing, such as pain, swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth, which can indicate impaction.
Similar to how some people have all 4 wisdom teeth come through and others don’t have any at all, some people also develop impacted wisdom teeth and others don’t. Whilst there is no single cause, reasons why this could occur include any of the following:
- Jaw size: Individuals with smaller jaws are more likely to experience impaction.
- Tooth positioning: Sometimes, wisdom teeth may grow at awkward angles or remain trapped beneath the gum line due to their positioning.
- Genetics: Family history can play a role in the likelihood of developing impacted wisdom teeth.
- Crowding of other teeth: If there’s crowding from other teeth, it can prevent wisdom teeth from emerging properly.
- Delayed eruption: In some cases, wisdom teeth may not erupt at the expected time, leading to impaction.
You can’t prevent having impacted wisdom teeth, but the good news is there are plenty of ways to manage them if they do ever start to cause problems.