Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth — also called third molars — are the last set of teeth that grow in. They usually erupt (break through your gums) between the ages of 17 and 25. Sometimes, wisdom teeth erupt in alignment with your other teeth and don’t cause any problems. Other times, they become either partially or fully trapped in your gums or jawbone. This is referred to as impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a variety of oral health problems, including cavities, gum disease and infection.

Fully impacted wisdom teeth, partially impacted wisdom teeth and non-impacted wisdom teeth: What’s the difference?

Fully impacted wisdom teeth aren’t visible. They’re completely hidden underneath your gums. A partially impacted wisdom tooth is slightly visible because part of it has erupted. Non-impacted wisdom teeth have erupted and are completely visible above your gum line. It’s important to note that non-impacted wisdom teeth can still cause problems.

Soft tissue impaction vs. hard tissue impaction

You might hear your dentist use the terms “soft tissue impaction” and “hard tissue impaction.” Soft tissue impaction means your tooth has erupted from your jawbone but hasn’t broken through your gums. Hard tissue impaction means your tooth is still completely covered by your gums and jawbone.

What are the different types of impacted wisdom teeth?

There are four types of impacted wisdom teeth. Each type matches with the positioning of your tooth:

• Mesial impaction is the most common type. It occurs when your wisdom tooth is angled toward the front of your mouth.
• Distal impaction, the rarest type, happens when your wisdom tooth is angled toward the back of your mouth.
• Vertical impaction is when your wisdom tooth is in the correct position for eruption, but it’s still trapped beneath your gums.
• Horizontal impaction is when your wisdom tooth is lying completely on its side, trapped beneath your gums. Horizontally impacted wisdom teeth are often painful because they place excess pressure on the teeth in front of them.

How common are impacted wisdom teeth?

Impacted wisdom teeth are extremely common. According to the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 90% of people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth.

How do impacted wisdom teeth affect my oral health?

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection and damage to other teeth. Wisdom teeth are also difficult to clean. As a result, they’re more prone to tooth decay and gum disease.

Can impacted wisdom teeth cause headaches?

Yes. In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can cause radiating pain in your jaw, face and head.