Understanding The Types of Wisdom Tooth Impactions
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are located at the back of your mouth. They are the last of your molars to emerge and usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 25.
When your wisdom teeth emerge, there can be certain complications because of factors like inadequate space in your mouth. With not enough space for these new teeth to emerge properly through the gums, they partially or entirely trapped within the jawbone. The result is a painful condition known as wisdom tooth impaction, meaning your wisdom teeth don’t fully emerge through your gums or jawbone.
In this article, we will help you understand the different types of wisdom tooth impactions and how they can affect our oral health.
Types of Wisdom Tooth Impactions
Understanding the different types of wisdom tooth impactions can help us identify potential issues and seek early treatment if necessary.
There are four main types of tooth impactions:
Mesioangular Impaction
Mesioangular impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth grows at an angle facing the front of the mouth, pressing against the nearby molar. This type of impaction is quite common and can cause discomfort and pain.
It may also lead to dental crowding (when teeth are grown improperly, causing them to be twisted and misaligned) or even damage the neighbouring tooth.
Vertical Impaction
Vertical impaction happens when the tooth grows straight up, parallel to the other teeth but has a hard time erupting through your gums. While it is considered the ideal position for a wisdom tooth to erupt (as it allows for easy cleaning and doesn’t cause significant complications), it may cause problems if it doesn’t emerge completely.
However, regular monitoring is still necessary to ensure proper oral health. Your dentist may suggest an extraction if your tooth causes pressure to the bone.
Distoangular Impaction
In distoangular impaction, the wisdom tooth grows at an angle facing the back of the mouth, away from the adjacent second molar. While less common, it can still cause discomfort and pain. Our dentist will determine if an extraction is necessary by the angle of impaction.
Horizontal Impaction
Horizontal impaction is when the tooth grows sideways completely away from the surface, parallel to the jawbone at an almost 90-degree angle. This also applies pressure to the molar in front of it. It is generally the most painful type of wisdom tooth impaction that can cause you a significant amount of discomfort.
How Do I Know If I Have Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
In most cases, impacted wisdom teeth cause certain symptoms which can give you a hunch about what’s happening. Symptoms of wisdom teeth include:
- Jaw pain
- Sore or bleeding gums
- Foul taste in your mouth
- Bad breath
- Pain in the back of your mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Swelling of the jaw or face
- Headaches and earaches
Sometimes, however, they erupt without any symptoms. If you suspect your wisdom teeth are impacted, make sure to consult our clinic for a proper evaluation.
Our dentists can help you get a definitive diagnosis of impacted wisdom teeth by getting a dental X-ray. These X-rays provide clear views of the development of your wisdom teeth, helping us identify any obstructions or potential issues with your wisdom teeth.
If you feel you have a horizontally impacted wisdom tooth or are experiencing discomfort, schedule a consult with PMD. We will evaluate your condition and recommend wisdom tooth removal if needed to ease your pain and help maintain your oral health.