Impacted Wisdom Teeth

A wisdom tooth is considered impacted when it is submerged under gum tissue or bone and unable to erupt into position. Based on the type and amount of overlying tissue, impactions are classified in a few different ways. Soft tissue impactions occur when a wisdom tooth remains covered by gum tissue. If a wisdom tooth remains completely or partially obstructed by bone, it's known as a bony impaction.

Impacted wisdom teeth can potentially cause many problems and may need to be removed when they are the source of:

• Pain
• Infection
• Cysts
• Tumors
• Damage to adjacent teeth
• Gum disease
• Extensive tooth decay

Types of Wisdom Tooth Impactions

• Soft Tissue Impaction: The wisdom tooth has partially erupted, but there isn’t enough room for the gum to retract fully, making proper cleaning difficult and increasing the risk of infection.
• Partial Bony Impaction: The tooth has emerged partially, but it cannot function correctly in chewing and poses challenges for cleaning, potentially leading to other dental issues.
• Complete Bony Impaction: The wisdom tooth remains fully trapped within the jawbone, or only a small portion is visible. Extraction may be complex, especially if the tooth is in an awkward position or if the jawbone’s structure complicates access to the tooth.