OverviewA partially impacted wisdom tooth covered by gum tissue.What are 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. Show
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 impactionYou 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:
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. Symptoms and CausesWhat are the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth?Sometimes, impacted wisdom teeth don’t cause any noticeable problems. Other times, symptoms may develop suddenly or gradually over time. Signs of impacted wisdom teeth include:
What causes impacted wisdom teeth?Wisdom teeth usually become impacted when your jaw doesn’t have enough space to accommodate your teeth. Sometimes, a tooth may erupt at the wrong angle, which can lead to impaction. Diagnosis and TestsHow do you know if your wisdom teeth are impacted?Your dentist will perform an examination and ask you about your symptoms. They’ll also take dental X-rays to see if your teeth are impacted and if your jawbone or other teeth are damaged. Management and TreatmentHow are impacted wisdom teeth treated?If your impacted teeth are causing pain, infection or other dental damage, wisdom teeth removal is usually recommended. Many dentists recommend this oral surgery procedure as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of problems in the future. Are impacted teeth more painful to remove?While impacted wisdom teeth are generally more difficult to remove, the process isn’t necessarily more painful. Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you pain relievers to manage any post-operative (after surgery) discomfort. What are the risks and complications of wisdom teeth removal?Like any surgical procedure, wisdom teeth removal comes with some potential risks and complications, including:
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?Most people fully recover from wisdom teeth removal in one to two weeks. In most cases, you can return to work, school and other normal routines in just a few days. PreventionCan I prevent impacted wisdom teeth?While you can’t prevent impacted wisdom teeth, you can reduce the risk for the problems they cause. Practice good oral hygiene and consider having your wisdom teeth removed at a younger age if they start causing problems. Outlook / PrognosisIs it necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth?If your wisdom teeth are impacted but aren’t causing any problems, you probably don’t need to remove them. However, if you start developing symptoms, removing them can reduce your risk of other issues and improve your overall oral health. What happens if you don’t remove impacted wisdom teeth?If your impacted wisdom teeth are causing pain and other symptoms, leaving them in place can be bad for your oral health. Impacted wisdom teeth are more prone to infection and abscesses — and they can cause damage, decay and disease to healthy teeth. Living WithWhen should I seek care for impacted wisdom teeth?If you have pain or other symptoms affecting the area behind your last molar, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can determine if your issues are due to impacted wisdom teeth. A note from Cleveland Clinic Impacted wisdom teeth can cause a wide range of symptoms, including swelling, bad taste and pain that radiates throughout your jaw and face. Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgery procedure that can ease your symptoms and reduce the risk of future oral health problems. Talk with your dentist about whether this treatment is right for you. What happens if wisdom teeth are left in too long?Problems can include wisdom teeth that: Remain completely hidden within the gums. If they aren't able to emerge normally, wisdom teeth become trapped (impacted) within your jaw. Sometimes this can result in infection or can cause a cyst that can damage other teeth roots or bone support.
What will happen if I don't remove my wisdom teeth?While not all patients need their wisdom tooth removed, problems can develop if removal is not performed. Many patients have smaller mouths and jaws, which do not allow room for the third molars to grow in properly. If these teeth do erupt, overcrowding can occur. Your teeth will begin to shift or overlap each other.
Is it OK to leave wisdom teeth in?We often tell patients that if their wisdom teeth are healthy and not causing any issues, they don't necessarily need to be extracted. That means your third molars can stay if they are: Healthy and don't show signs of decay. Fully erupted through the gums.
How long should wisdom teeth stay in?However, many dentists recommend having them extracted in your late teens or early 20s. During this stage of development, your wisdom teeth are still forming. For this reason, they may be easier to remove with less risk of complications.
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