Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Seek Treatment

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, usually emerge between the late teens and early adulthood. These last teeth to develop can sometimes struggle to come in properly due to limited space in the jaw or their positioning. When this happens, the teeth become impacted, meaning they are trapped beneath the gum tissue or grow at an awkward angle.

While some impacted wisdom teeth remain asymptomatic and cause no immediate problems, others may lead to jaw pain, swollen gums, or damage to nearby teeth. Knowing the signs of impacted wisdom teeth and understanding your treatment options is important to maintain good oral health and prevent complications.

In this article, we’ll explain what impacted wisdom teeth are, outline common symptoms, review diagnosis and treatment approaches, and share tips to care for your third molars.

What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth occur when the third molars are unable to fully erupt through the gum tissue or grow in at an abnormal angle. This can happen due to insufficient space in the jawbone or because the teeth are blocked by adjacent teeth. Types of impaction include vertical, horizontal, and soft tissue impaction, among others. Impacted teeth can be fully or partially impacted, with partially erupted wisdom teeth sometimes causing irritation or infection of the surrounding gum tissue.

Because wisdom teeth are the last to develop, usually in late adolescence or early adulthood, they are prone to becoming impacted when the jaw does not have enough room. This can affect nearby teeth, leading to issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, or crowding of the second molars. Proper evaluation by an oral surgeon or dentist is important to determine the best course of action for impacted wisdom teeth.

What Causes Wisdom Teeth to Become Impacted?

Impacted wisdom teeth usually occur because there isn’t enough space in the jawbone for these third molars to erupt properly. The jaw may be too small or shaped in a way that blocks the wisdom teeth from emerging. This lack of room can cause the teeth to grow at abnormal angles, such as horizontal or vertical impactions, or remain partially or fully trapped beneath the gum tissue.

Other factors that contribute to impaction include the timing of tooth development and eruption. Sometimes wisdom teeth develop later or at a slower pace, increasing the chance they become stuck behind other teeth. Genetics also play a role; jaw size and tooth alignment can be inherited traits that affect how wisdom teeth emerge.

Orthodontic treatment or crowding from other molar teeth may reduce space further, increasing the risk that wisdom teeth will become impacted. Understanding these risk factors can help you and your dentist closely monitor the development of wisdom teeth during late adolescence and early adulthood.

Common Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Many people with impacted wisdom teeth experience symptoms, though some remain asymptomatic for years. Recognising common signs early helps prevent complications such as infection or damage to nearby teeth.

Typical symptoms include:

• Jaw pain or stiffness around the back of the mouth, sometimes radiating to the ear or neck.
• Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums near the wisdom tooth area.
• Bad breath or unpleasant taste caused by trapped food and bacteria around partially erupted teeth.
• Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing comfortably.
• Headaches or earaches related to jaw tension or inflammation.
• Visible red or swollen gum tissue covering a partially impacted wisdom tooth (soft tissue impaction).
• In some cases, symptoms of infection or abscess, including fever or severe pain.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult your dentist or oral surgeon. Early assessment can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and damage to adjacent teeth caused by untreated impacted wisdom teeth.

Diagnosing Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Diagnosing impacted wisdom teeth usually begins with a dental examination and X-rays. Regular dental check-ups during late adolescence or early adulthood allow your dentist to monitor the development of third molars and spot any potential impactions early.

X-rays provide a clear view of the position of the wisdom teeth relative to the jaw bone, gum tissue, and adjacent teeth. This helps identify whether the teeth are fully impacted, partially erupted, or growing at an abnormal angle, such as horizontal or vertical impaction.

If there are signs of infection, damage to nearby teeth, or other complications, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon or oral and maxillofacial surgeon for further evaluation. In some cases, advanced imaging may be needed to assess risks, such as proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve.

Treatment Options for Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Treatment for impacted wisdom teeth depends on symptoms, the tooth’s position, and potential risks to oral health. Not everyone with impacted wisdom teeth requires surgery, especially if the teeth are asymptomatic and disease-free.

Watchful Waiting

For asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth or those fully encased in the jawbone, dentists may recommend regular monitoring with periodic exams and X-rays to track changes.

Surgical Removal

Surgical removal, or wisdom tooth extraction, is often advised when impacted teeth cause pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, or increase risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons typically perform the procedure, especially for complicated cases such as horizontal impactions or proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve.

Partial Removal and Other Interventions

Sometimes, treatment focuses on managing infection or inflammation around partially erupted wisdom teeth, including antibiotics or gum tissue care.

Post-surgical care is important to reduce risks like excessive bleeding or dry socket, a painful complication caused by loss of the blood clot in the tooth socket.

Discussing the risks and benefits of surgical removal versus retention with your dentist or oral surgeon helps determine the best plan for your oral health.

Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial in determining whether to remove wisdom teeth or monitor asymptomatic, impacted wisdom teeth to avoid unnecessary surgery.

Can Impacted Wisdom Teeth Be Prevented?

While genetics and jaw structure largely determine whether wisdom teeth become impacted, certain steps can help reduce complications:

• Regular Dental Check-Ups: Routine exams and X-rays during late adolescence or early adulthood allow your dentist to monitor developing wisdom teeth and identify potential issues early.
• Early Evaluation: Early assessment of the developing wisdom tooth can guide timely decisions about whether removal or monitoring is appropriate.
• Good Oral Hygiene: Maintaining healthy gums and teeth reduces the risk of gum disease and dental decay around partially erupted wisdom teeth.
• Prompt Attention to Symptoms: Address jaw pain, swollen gums, or other warning signs quickly to prevent infections or damage to adjacent teeth.

Although you can’t prevent impaction itself, staying proactive with dental care minimizes the risk of complications and unnecessary surgical removal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Impacted wisdom teeth and their removal often raise questions. Below are answers to some common concerns about wisdom teeth, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and related oral health topics.

When should wisdom teeth be removed?

Wisdom teeth are typically removed if they are impacted or causing pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth. However, asymptomatic wisdom teeth or disease-free wisdom teeth may not require removal but should be monitored regularly by a dentist.

What is oral and maxillofacial surgery?

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialized field that focuses on the surgical removal of teeth, including complex cases such as fully impacted wisdom teeth or impacted lower third molars. Oral surgeons or oral and maxillofacial surgeons perform these procedures.

Can partially erupted wisdom teeth cause problems?

Yes. Partially erupted wisdom teeth can trap food and bacteria under the gum tissue, increasing the risk of periodontal disease and infections.

Are upper wisdom teeth harder to remove than lower wisdom teeth?

Removal difficulty depends on the position and impaction type. Upper wisdom teeth and lower wisdom teeth each have unique considerations, especially concerning nearby nerves like the inferior alveolar nerve.

What are retained third molars?

Retained third molars are wisdom teeth that remain unerupted or partially erupted for an extended period. These teeth may require removal if they pose a risk to oral health.

Does wisdom tooth removal affect inferior alveolar nerve function?

While rare, surgical removal near the inferior alveolar nerve carries a small risk of temporary or permanent numbness. Oral surgeons take precautions to minimize this risk.

Is molar removal easier at a younger age?

Yes. Removing impacted lower third molars at a younger age often results in fewer complications and faster recovery.

Can wisdom teeth erupt in the correct position?

Some third molar teeth develop properly in the jaw and erupt without issues. These disease-free wisdom teeth usually don’t need removal.

Take Care of Your Wisdom Teeth Today

Impacted wisdom teeth can remain symptom-free for some time but may eventually cause pain, infection, or damage to nearby teeth. Understanding the risks and recognising symptoms early can help you protect your oral health.

If you suspect you have impacted wisdom teeth or experience jaw pain, swollen gums, or difficulty chewing, consult your dentist or oral surgeon for an evaluation. Regular check-ups and timely treatment decisions can prevent complications and improve recovery outcomes.

To find trusted dental professionals near you and explore your options for wisdom teeth removal or monitoring, visit Sunbit’s dental directory. Taking action now ensures healthier teeth and a more comfortable smile in the future.