Wisdom teeth often grow during late teens or adulthood, and while some erupt normally, many do not have enough space to come in properly. When a wisdom tooth cannot fully break through the gums or grows at an unusual angle, it becomes impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, infection, and long-term damage to the surrounding teeth. Understanding the types of impacted wisdom teeth helps you know what to expect and when to seek treatment.

At Cypress Dental, we guide patients through early diagnosis and comfortable treatment to prevent complications and protect their oral health.

What Does “Impacted Wisdom Tooth” Mean?

An impacted wisdom tooth is one that cannot erupt normally due to limited space, the position of the tooth, or blockage from bone or gum tissue. Some impacted wisdom teeth cause noticeable discomfort, while others remain silent until they create problems such as infection or pressure on nearby teeth.

Recognizing the type of impaction helps determine the best treatment plan.

Soft Tissue Impaction

A soft tissue impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth begins to emerge through the gum but remains partially covered by gum tissue. Because it is not fully exposed, bacteria and food can become trapped under the gum flap, leading to inflammation and infection.

Common signs include tenderness at the back of the mouth, swelling, bleeding during brushing, and difficulty keeping the area clean.

Typical treatment:

Removal is often recommended, especially when recurring irritation or infection occurs. Keeping the area clean can be challenging and may lead to frequent flare-ups.

Partial Bony Impaction

In a partial bony impaction, the wisdom tooth has partially erupted but still remains partially trapped in the jawbone. Part of the tooth may be visible, while a larger portion remains below the gum or bone.

Partial bony impactions often cause discomfort, pressure, or a sense of fullness at the back of the mouth. Because the tooth is not fully accessible, cleaning around it becomes difficult, increasing the risk of cavities and gum infection.

Typical treatment:

Extraction is usually recommended to prevent repeated inflammation, gum disease around the tooth, or decay on the wisdom tooth or the neighbouring molar.

Complete Bony Impaction

A complete bony impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth is fully encased in the jawbone and cannot erupt at all. These teeth are the most complex to manage because they remain completely hidden. Although they may not cause immediate symptoms, they can contribute to cysts, discomfort, shifting of nearby teeth, or damage to the roots of the surrounding molars.

Typical treatment:

Removal may be recommended if there is pain, infection, or a risk of long-term complications. Your dentist or surgeon evaluates the depth and angle of the tooth before planning a safe procedure.

Vertical Impaction

In a vertical impaction, the wisdom tooth forms in an upright position but does not have enough space to erupt. Even though it is aligned properly, it remains trapped beneath gum tissue or bone.

Vertical impactions can feel like pressure at the back of the mouth or may remain painless until they begin affecting the nearby molars.

Typical treatment:

Some vertical impactions may be monitored if they do not cause symptoms, but many are removed to prevent damage to the second molar or future complications.

Horizontal Impaction

A horizontal impaction occurs when the wisdom tooth grows sideways, pressing directly into the second molar. This is one of the most problematic types because it can damage neighbouring teeth, create deep cavities, and cause significant pressure and discomfort.

Horizontal impactions rarely erupt and almost always require removal.

Typical treatment:

Extraction is recommended to protect the surrounding teeth and prevent structural damage.

Angled or Distal Impaction

In angled or distal impaction, the wisdom tooth is angled away from the second molar. Depending on the amount of space available, the tooth may remain partially trapped or fully trapped.

Some angled impactions cause discomfort, while others remain stable for a period of time.

Typical treatment:

Monitoring may be appropriate in some cases, but removal is often recommended if discomfort or gum inflammation develops.

Why Impacted Wisdom Teeth Need Attention

Even if an impacted wisdom tooth does not cause pain, it can still pose risks. Impacted wisdom teeth may lead to infection, swelling, cyst formation, pressure on surrounding teeth, gum disease, or decay around the second molar. Early evaluation helps prevent these complications.

At Cypress Dental, we use advanced imaging to assess the position of each wisdom tooth and create a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Treatment depends on the type of impaction, your age, your symptoms, and your oral health. Common treatment options include:

Monitoring:

Some wisdom teeth may be watched closely if they are not causing problems. Regular checkups allow your dentist to detect early signs of issues.

Extraction:

Removal is the most common treatment for impacted wisdom teeth. The procedure prevents future pain, infection, and damage to the surrounding teeth. Early removal often leads to easier healing and fewer complications.

Medication and supportive care:

If there is an active infection or inflammation, your dentist may recommend medication before performing the extraction.

When to See Your Dentist

If you feel pressure, swelling, jaw discomfort, difficulty chewing, or pain at the back of your mouth, it is important to schedule an evaluation. Even mild symptoms can signal the start of an impacted tooth problem.

Cypress Dental provides gentle, detailed assessments to help you understand the type of impaction and choose the most comfortable and effective treatment.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the different types of impacted wisdom teeth helps you recognize the signs early and seek treatment before complications arise. Whether the tooth is partially trapped, fully trapped, angled, or horizontal, your dentist can guide you through the safest and most effective options.

Cypress Dental is committed to helping patients maintain a healthy, pain-free smile with expert evaluation and personalized care. If you suspect your wisdom teeth are impacted, our team is here to support you from diagnosis to treatment.