Third molars are the last set of adult molars to develop, typically emerging between ages 17 and 25. When a wisdom tooth cannot fully emerge or develops at an abnormal angle, it becomes impacted and may remain partially or completely trapped beneath the gum tissue, bone, or both.
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Impacted wisdom teeth, which grow at an incorrect position due to lack of space or improper orientation, can cause discomfort, pain, or other oral health issues. They are categorized into four types: vertical, horizontal, mesial, and distal. In most cases, removal is necessary to alleviate pain and prevent future complications.
What Are the Types of Wisdom Teeth Impaction?
The types of wisdom teeth impaction are determined by the direction the tooth develops relative to the adjacent second molar. The four most common types are vertical, horizontal, mesial, and distal.
1. Vertical Wisdom Tooth Impaction
Vertical impaction occurs when a wisdom tooth is growing in a relatively normal orientation, but it remains trapped under the gum tissue and sometimes bone. This type of impaction needs to be evaluated by the oral surgeon to determine if the tooth will erupt normally into the mouth or requires extraction.
2. Horizontal Impaction
Horizontal impaction is a type of impaction where the wisdom tooth tries to grow horizontally or sideways, pushing against the adjacent teeth. This can cause severe pain and damage to nearby teeth and bone.
3. Mesial Impaction
Mesial impaction, the most common type of impaction, occurs when a wisdom tooth grows at an angle towards the front of the mouth. This can result in the tooth becoming partially or fully trapped under the gum tissue and bone, causing pressure on the adjacent teeth, discomfort, and possibly damage to the adjacent teeth.
4. Distal Impaction
Distal impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth grows at an angle away from the front of the mouth, usually leaning towards the back of the jaw. This type of impaction is less likely to cause discomfort or damage to adjacent teeth, but is more likely to result in soft tissue infection and bone loss.
When Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary?
Wisdom tooth removal is necessary in cases where the impacted tooth is causing discomfort, pain, developing pathology (cysts or tumors) or there is lack of space for functional eruption of the tooth. It may also be recommended if the wisdom tooth is at risk of damaging surrounding teeth or if it is causing crowding in the mouth.
Treatment Options
Treatment for an impacted wisdom tooth will depend on the type and severity of impaction, as well as the individual’s overall oral health. In most cases, removal of the impacted tooth is necessary to alleviate pain and prevent future complications.
If there is not adequate space in the mouth for the teeth to erupt normally into the mouth, surgical extraction may be necessary. This involves making an incision in the gum tissue to access and remove the impacted tooth.
When to See an Oral Surgeon
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your wisdom teeth or suspect that you may have an impacted wisdom tooth, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. They will be able to assess the situation and determine the best course of treatment.
In some cases, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for a more specialized evaluation and treatment plan. Oral surgeons are highly trained in performing complicated extractions and can provide additional options for pain management during and after the procedure.
It is important to address impacted wisdom teeth promptly to prevent further complications and maintain optimal oral health. Regular dental check-ups can also help detect any potential issues with wisdom teeth before they become problematic, so make sure to schedule regular appointments with your dentist.
Ideally, every patient should be evaluated around the age of 15 to determine if wisdom teeth are present and if it appears as though they could cause problems in the future. The recovery from surgery and the procedure has less risk of complication when the wisdom teeth are removed prior to becoming fully developed. Full development of the teeth happen between 16-20 years of age, therefore, evaluation at an early age is critical.
Evaluation of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Evaluation includes a clinical examination and dental imaging to assess tooth development, jaw space, and wisdom tooth orientation. This helps determine whether the teeth can be monitored or if surgical removal may be recommended.
At Foley & Le Oral Surgery, impacted wisdom teeth are assessed by a team of board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons with advanced surgical training in wisdom tooth management.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth Treatment in Boulder, CO
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 444-2255 or visit us at 1420 28th St, Suite 100, Boulder, CO. If you would like your dentist to refer to our office, they can complete our referral form.
FAQS
Are impacted wisdom teeth always painful?
Impacted wisdom teeth are not always painful. Many remain symptom-free until inflammation, infection, or pressure on nearby teeth develops.
At what age should wisdom teeth be evaluated?
Wisdom teeth are commonly evaluated during the mid-teen years, often between ages 15 and 18, when their development becomes visible on dental imaging.
Can impacted wisdom teeth stay in place if they do not hurt?
In some cases, yes. However, evaluation by an oral surgeon helps determine whether the position of the tooth could lead to future complications.
