Wisdom teeth—also known as third molars—are the last set of teeth to emerge, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people experience no issues with their wisdom teeth, many face complications due to a lack of space in the jaw, improper growth angles, or partial eruptions. When this happens, the teeth are impacted, meaning they cannot fully emerge into the correct position.
If left untreated, an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to pain, swelling, infection, and even damage to surrounding teeth. Understanding the types of impactions can help you determine the best course of action, whether it’s monitoring the teeth or seeking treatment through Clearwater oral surgery.
In this guide, we’ll break down partial vs. full impactions and explain the four main types of wisdom tooth impactions: mesial, distal, vertical, and horizontal.
Partial vs. Fully Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impaction occurs when a wisdom tooth does not have enough room to emerge properly. This can happen in two ways:
1. Partially Impacted Wisdom Teeth
The tooth has broken through the gum line but not fully erupted. Some of the tooth is visible, but part remains trapped under the gum.
- Risks: Partial impactions create a pocket where food, bacteria, and plaque accumulate, leading to infection, swelling, and decay.
- Common Symptoms: Tender or swollen gums, discomfort when chewing, bad breath, or a foul taste in the mouth.
Treatment Options:
- Regular cleaning & monitoring if there’s no pain or infection.
- Extraction if the tooth causes pain, decay, or gum infections.
2. Fully Impacted Wisdom Teeth
The tooth is completely trapped beneath the gum and may be stuck in the jawbone. These teeth never break through the surface, making them harder to detect without X-rays.
- Risks: Higher chance of cyst formation, infection, and pressure against surrounding teeth.
Treatment Options:
- Surgical extraction is often recommended to prevent future complications.
Now that we’ve covered partial vs. full impactions, let’s examine the different angulations of impaction that determine how the tooth is positioned.
The Four Types of Wisdom Tooth Impactions
Wisdom teeth don’t always grow straight up like the rest of your teeth. Because of limited space at the back of the mouth, they may erupt at awkward angles, causing discomfort and misalignment.
1. Mesial Impaction (The Most Common Type)
A mesial impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth is angled forward, pressing into the molar in front of it.
Key Facts About Mesial Impaction:
- Most common type of impaction
- Mild to severe cases (some may partially erupt, while others remain fully trapped)
- Can push other teeth out of alignment, leading to crowding
Potential Issues:
- Can increase pressure on adjacent teeth, leading to pain and misalignment.
- Often results in food and plaque buildup, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Treatment Options:
- Mild cases (where the tooth is slightly angled but not causing pain) may be monitored.
- Severe cases often require extraction to prevent long-term complications.
2. Distal Impaction (Least Common Type)
A distal impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth is angled backward, away from the adjacent molar.
Key Facts About Distal Impaction:
- Least common type of wisdom tooth impaction
- Can be partially or fully impacted
- May not always require extraction if positioned favorably
Potential Issues:
- If the tooth is too far back, it may never fully emerge, leading to infection or cyst development.
- If it partially erupts, cleaning it can be difficult, leading to bacterial buildup and decay.
Treatment Options:
- If the tooth remains fully under the gum and doesn’t cause discomfort, it may be left alone.
- If decay or pressure develops, extraction is the best course of action.
3. Vertical Impaction (Straight but Stuck Under the Gum)
A vertically impacted wisdom tooth is upright but remains trapped under the gum or jawbone.
Key Facts About Vertical Impaction:
- The tooth is aligned properly but has no room to emerge
- May not always require removal unless it causes pain, pressure, or infection
Potential Issues:
- If the wisdom tooth pushes against the roots of the adjacent molar, it can cause pain and damage.
- If it remains buried, it may develop cysts or tumors over time.
Treatment Options:
- A dentist may recommend monitoring the tooth with X-rays if the tooth is not causing discomfort.
- If pain, infection, or root damage occurs, surgical removal is advised.
4. Horizontal Impaction (Most Serious Type)
A horizontal impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth grows sideways, pressing directly into the adjacent molar.
Key Facts About Horizontal Impaction:
- Most painful and problematic type of impaction
- The tooth is completely sideways and exerts significant pressure on other teeth
- Almost always requires surgical removal
Potential Issues:
- Can push against the second molar, causing severe pain and shifting of teeth.
- May damage adjacent tooth roots, leading to decay or nerve problems.
- Can result in jawbone damage and cyst formation if left untreated.
Treatment Options:
- Almost all cases require oral surgery for extraction to prevent serious dental complications.
When Should You See a Dentist About Your Wisdom Teeth?
The late teens or early twenties should evaluate wisdom teeth before they cause significant problems. Signs that indicate a need for dental evaluation include:
- Persistent pain in the back of the mouth
- Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty chewing or jaw stiffness
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Crowding of other teeth
Ignoring impacted wisdom teeth can lead to infections, tooth misalignment, and serious oral health complications. Wisdom tooth extraction is a common and safe procedure if your dentist recommends removal. Depending on the level of impaction, a simple extraction may be performed, or surgical removal may be necessary for teeth trapped beneath the gum or jawbone.
Clearwater Oral Surgery for Impacted Wisdom Teeth: What to Expect
Understanding the different types of impacted wisdom teeth helps you make an informed decision about your oral health. Whether your wisdom teeth are partially or fully impacted, mesial, distal, vertical, or horizontal, timely evaluation can prevent future pain and complications.
At Champagne Dental Care, we specialize in gentle, expert wisdom tooth extractions to ensure a smooth recovery and minimal discomfort. Our team is here to answer any questions and provide personalized treatment options that best suit your dental needs. Contact us today to make an appointment.
