Types Of Impacted Wisdom Teeth: What You Need To Know

When discussing the types of impacted wisdom teeth, it’s important to know how these issues can affect both your comfort and your oral health. At Brookhaven Dental Associates, we know this topic can feel mind-boggling at first, so we’re here to walk you through it carefully and clearly.

Many people hear about "impacted teeth" but don’t fully realize how different the situations can be based on the position of the wisdom teeth themselves.

Learning the different ways wisdom teeth can become impacted will help you feel more informed when discussing your treatment options. From slight discomfort to serious complications, the way your teeth are impacted plays a part in how your mouth feels and functions.

What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

Before we get too far into all of this, let's first answer an important question: “What's impacted wisdom teeth?”

Simply put, impacted wisdom teeth are third molars that don’t have sufficient room to emerge completely or develop normally. They may stay trapped in the jawbone or only partially erupt through the gums. This can lead to a variety of issues, including pain, swelling, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth.

Knowing what an impacted wisdom tooth is helps to recognize why many dentists recommend removing them before they cause problems. Impacted teeth can grow at awkward angles or stay hidden below the gum line, making them difficult to clean and prone to infections like pericoronitis.

The Different Kinds of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When looking at all the types of impacted wisdom teeth, dental professionals usually classify them based on the angle and depth of impaction. Not all impactions are the same, and each type carries different challenges and treatment approaches.

Mesial Impaction

Mesial impaction is the most common type. In this case, the wisdom tooth leans forward, pressing against the adjacent molar. Some mesial impactions partially erupt, while others stay entirely below the gum.

This type can create pressure against your second molar and may eventually push other teeth out of alignment if not treated early through wisdom teeth extraction.

Vertical Impaction

Vertical impaction happens when the wisdom tooth tries to erupt in the correct position but remains stuck under the gum. Sometimes vertical impactions don't cause immediate symptoms, but they can still press into the bone or neighboring teeth, creating discomfort.

Even if they seem harmless at first, vertical impactions may still need oral surgery to prevent long-term complications.

Horizontal Impaction

Here, the wisdom tooth is on its side, directly pressing against the roots of the neighboring molar. This is one of the most painful types of impacted wisdom teeth because it often damages the second molar’s roots and puts major stress on the jawbone.

Early diagnosis through dental X-rays makes a big difference in treating horizontal impactions safely and effectively.

Distal Impaction

Distal impactions are less common but still serious. Here, the wisdom tooth leans toward the rear of the mouth, away from the second molar. Depending on the severity, a distal impaction might cause minimal symptoms or require immediate attention if it presses against the jawbone.

Planning a smooth wisdom teeth extraction becomes very important when distal impactions are involved to protect the overall structure of your jaw.

Why Wisdom Teeth Become Impacted

Wisdom teeth often become impacted because the human jaw has evolved to be smaller than it was in ancient times. Our ancestors had bigger jaws to accommodate more teeth for chewing coarse foods.

Today, most people's jaws are smaller, leaving little room for a third set of molars. Genetics, tooth size, and jaw shape also influence how and why wisdom teeth may become impacted.

Know these reasons can help you appreciate why proactive evaluations and timely care are so important. Early evaluation helps prevent painful issues from developing later.

Signs You May Have an Impacted Wisdom Tooth

Symptoms can differ depending on the type and severity of the impaction, but some signs are common. Pain or tenderness around the gums, swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, and persistent bad breath can all point to an impacted wisdom tooth.

If the impacted tooth causes an infection, you might also notice fever or a foul taste in your mouth.

These symptoms are your body's way of alerting you that something isn’t right. Ignoring them can lead to worse infections or even damage to surrounding teeth. If you recognize any of these symptoms, it’s time to consider contacting Brookhaven Dental Associates for a thorough evaluation.

How We Diagnose Types of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Diagnosing types of impacted wisdom teeth typically starts with a clinical examination and digital imaging. We use panoramic X-rays to see the exact position of your wisdom teeth relative to your other teeth and jawbone. Advanced imaging allows us to determine the best plan for your oral health.

We look closely at how deeply the tooth is embedded, the direction it’s growing, and its proximity to nerves and other structures. These details help us choose the safest and most effective treatment approach for you.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction at Brookhaven Dental Associates

When it's time for wisdom teeth extraction, Brookhaven Dental Associates makes the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

We’ll start by thoroughly explaining the procedure, answering any questions you may have, and reviewing sedation options. Your comfort, safety, and results are always our highest priorities.

During the procedure, we carefully remove the impacted wisdom tooth while protecting the surrounding tissues. We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions so you can heal smoothly and comfortably.

Our experience in handling all types of impactions means you can trust us to deliver outstanding care from start to finish.

Trust Brookhaven Dental Associates for Your Wisdom Teeth Needs

At Brookhaven Dental Associates, we take your concerns about impacted wisdom teeth seriously. From the moment you walk through our doors, our team works to create a comfortable and informative environment where your needs are the priority.

Whether you're dealing with mild discomfort or require oral surgery, we’ll help you view all your options clearly and confidently.

We work closely with our patients to develop customized plans that reflect their goals and needs. Our team blends advanced technology, expert surgical techniques, and a caring touch to deliver excellent outcomes for every wisdom tooth case.

If you would like to learn more about our dental services in Atlanta, GA, and how we can help with impacted wisdom teeth, please reach out to us today!