What is an Impacted Tooth?

Although most people develop 32 permanent adult teeth, many times their jaws are too small to accommodate the four wisdom teeth. When there isn’t enough room for the wisdom teeth to erupt properly, they become impacted. This means they are trapped beneath the gums and cannot emerge or align correctly for chewing and cleaning.

Types of Impactions

A consultation and special x-ray (panorex) will help us determine whether your wisdom teeth are impacted, if there’s enough space for them to erupt, and how complex removal may be. Wisdom tooth removal is often recommended to prevent complications such as pain, infection, and crowding.

• Soft Tissue Impaction: The gum does not retract enough to expose the tooth for adequate cleaning, increasing the risk of infection and inflammation.
• Partial Bony Impaction: The tooth partially erupts, but remains stuck beneath the gum and bone. This can cause pain and cleaning difficulties, leading to decay or gum disease.
• Complete Bony Impaction: The tooth is entirely encased within the jawbone. This is the most complex type and often requires advanced surgical techniques for removal, especially if the tooth is in an abnormal position.

If you’re experiencing pain or crowding, or your dentist has recommended an evaluation, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Early assessment and treatment of impacted wisdom teeth can prevent serious oral health issues down the line.