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Wisdom teeth are known for causing trouble, and one of the most common problems is when they grow in sideways. Horizontal wisdom teeth can lead to pressure, jaw pain, and damage to nearby teeth if left untreated.
In this blog, we explain why this happens, what symptoms to watch for, and when it is time to see oral surgeons for wisdom tooth removal.
Table of Contents
- Why Wisdom Teeth Grow Sideways
- Why Early Removal Matters
- What to Expect at Your Consultation with Foley & Le
- Schedule a Wisdom Teeth Consultation in Boulder, CO
Sideways-growing wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infection, and long-term damage to nearby teeth and bone. Regular dental checkups and timely removal by an experienced oral surgeon can help prevent complications and protect your oral health.
Why Wisdom Teeth Grow Sideways
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to develop, typically emerging between the ages of 17 and 25. By the time they begin to erupt, most people’s jaws have already reached their full size—leaving limited space for these additional teeth.
When there is not enough room in the jaw, the wisdom teeth may shift or tilt as they try to emerge. This can lead to horizontal impaction, where the tooth grows sideways rather than upward.
Common reasons include:
- Insufficient jaw space: The dental arch may not be large enough to accommodate four extra molars.
- Delayed eruption: Because they erupt after the other adult teeth are established, their path is often blocked.
- Genetic factors: Inherited traits like smaller jaws or crowded teeth can increase the risk of impaction.
A sideways-growing wisdom tooth can press into neighboring teeth, stay partially or fully trapped under the gums, and increase the risk of pain, swelling, infection, or damage to adjacent structures.
Types of Wisdom Tooth Impaction
Impacted wisdom teeth do not all grow the same way. The angle and position of the tooth affect both the symptoms and the treatment approach.
- Mesial impaction: The tooth angles forward toward the second molar. This is the most common type of impaction.
- Distal impaction: The tooth tilts backward, away from the second molar. It’s less common but may still cause pressure or discomfort.
- Vertical impaction: The tooth grows straight up but remains partially or fully trapped beneath the gums.
- Horizontal impaction: The tooth lies flat, pressing sideways into the roots of the neighboring molar. This type is often the most problematic.
Horizontal impaction can lead to serious complications, including tooth decay, gum infection, cyst/tumor formation, and damage to surrounding bone and teeth. In most cases, removal is recommended to prevent further issues and protect long-term oral health.
Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
Impacted or sideways-growing wisdom teeth do not always cause immediate discomfort. However, as they continue to shift or press against other structures, they can lead to a range of oral health problems.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent pressure or pain in the back of the jaw
- Swelling or tenderness near the gums behind the molars
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste, often from trapped bacteria
- Repeated gum infections or inflammation around the tooth (pericoronitis)
- Difficulty opening your mouth fully
- Crowding or shifting of nearby teeth
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to schedule an evaluation. Delaying treatment can increase the risk of infection, damage to other teeth, and complications that require more involved surgical care.
Why Early Removal Matters
Many patients wonder if impacted wisdom teeth are harder to remove. The answer is yes, especially when horizontal impaction is involved. The more embedded and misaligned the tooth, the more complex the surgical removal can be. That is why timing is so important.
Removing wisdom teeth early prevents potential issues such as:
- Damage to neighboring teeth or root structures
- Cysts or infection near the gum tissue or jaw bone
- Increased pain and swelling if treatment is delayed
- Relapse after orthodontic treatment due to pressure on adjacent teeth
Wisdom teeth removal during early stages supports proper healing and avoids worsening oral health conditions.
What to Expect at Your Consultation with Foley & Le
When you visit Foley & Le Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons for a wisdom tooth evaluation, our team takes the time to thoroughly assess your needs and explain your options. During your consultation, we will:
- Review your dental X-rays to assess the position of your wisdom teeth
- Identify any impaction and evaluate its effect on nearby teeth and bone
- Discuss whether removal is recommended and explain the surgical process
- Review sedation options
- Review pre and post-operative instructions
- Discuss insurance coverage and out-of-pocket costs
Our surgeons take a conservative, patient-focused approach. We do not recommend surgery unless it supports your long-term oral health or prevents potential complications.
| Stay Ahead of Wisdom Tooth IssuesWisdom teeth can start to shift or become impacted without any obvious symptoms. Routine dental visits and X-rays allow your dentist to track their position and catch potential problems early, often before they lead to pain, crowding, or infection. |
Schedule a Wisdom Teeth Consultation in Boulder, CO
If you have been told your wisdom teeth are growing sideways, Foley & Le Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons can help. We offer expert evaluations, clear treatment recommendations, and surgical care tailored to your specific needs.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.
