Key Takeaways
- Impacted wisdom teeth are third molars that get stuck under the gum or jawbone from lack of space.
- Symptoms range from none at all to pain, swollen gums, bad breath, or trouble opening the mouth.
- Left untreated, they can cause decay, damage to nearby teeth, cysts, or crowding.
- Removal is advised for recurring pain, infection, hard-to-clean teeth, or pressure on neighboring molars.
- The procedure involves an exam, numbing or sedation, careful extraction, and sometimes stitches.
- Recovery brings mild swelling and soreness, eased with rest, ice, and soft foods over a few days.
What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
An impacted wisdom tooth is a third molar that gets stuck under the gum or jawbone and cannot break through the way it should. There simply is not enough room at the back of the jaw, so the tooth ends up pushing sideways, staying buried, or only poking through partway.
This can then cause pain, swelling, infection, and damage to nearby teeth. They may also be harder to clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Our dentists at Hopkins Family Dentistry often recommend professional tooth extraction when impacted wisdom teeth are causing symptoms or are likely to create problems in the future.
Let’s take a closer look at the signs of impacted wisdom teeth and what happens when they are not removed.
What Are the Signs of an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
Not everyone with an impacted wisdom tooth experiences discomfort. In fact, some people only discover they have one during a routine dental exam or X-ray. Others, however, develop symptoms when the tooth begins pressing against neighboring teeth, partially erupts, or becomes infected.
One of the most obvious signs of impacted wisdom teeth is a tooth that only emerges partway through the gum. This is a partially impacted wisdom tooth. Because part of the tooth remains covered by gum tissue, food particles and bacteria can easily become trapped around it, making it difficult to clean properly.
Common symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth are:
- Pain or tenderness at the back of the mouth or along the jaw
- Swollen, red or bleeding gums around the affected tooth
- Swollen jaw or discomfort when chewing
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully
In some cases, the wisdom tooth remains completely trapped beneath the gums or jawbone. This is called a fully impacted wisdom tooth. While it may not cause immediate symptoms, it can still lead to problems over time, which is why regular dental check-ups are important for monitoring its position.
What Problems Can an Impacted Wisdom Tooth Cause?
The longer an impacted wisdom tooth remains untreated, the greater the chance of complications developing. Depending on its position, it can lead to issues such as:
- Decay and gum disease: The partial opening around the tooth traps plaque that a toothbrush cannot reach, and it can contribute to periodontal disease.
- Damage to neighboring teeth: Pressure from an angled wisdom tooth can wear down or loosen the second molar beside it.
- Cyst formation: A fluid-filled sac can form around an impacted tooth and, over time, damage the jawbone if it goes unnoticed.
- Crowding: Pressure from the back of the mouth can push front teeth out of alignment, undoing years of orthodontic work.
When Should an Impacted Wisdom Tooth Be Removed?
During your examination, your dentist will consider your symptoms, the tooth’s position, and any signs of damage to nearby structures. At Hopkins Family Dentistry, we usually recommend removal when:
- Pain or infection keeps returning.
- The tooth is partially erupted and difficult to keep clean.
- It is contributing to gum disease or tooth decay.
- It is pushing against the neighboring molar.
- Imaging shows a risk of future complications.
What Happens During Impacted Wisdom Tooth Removal?
If the dentist recommends removing an impacted wisdom tooth, knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable about the process. At our clinic in Hopkins, we begin with a thorough examination and X-rays to understand the tooth’s position and plan the safest approach for removal.
During the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will typically:
- Numb the area with a local anesthetic. Sedation may be recommended for more complex cases or anxious patients.
- Remove the tooth carefully. Depending on its position, the tooth may be removed in one piece or divided into smaller sections to make extraction easier and minimize pressure on the surrounding tissues.
- Clean the area and, if needed, place dissolvable stitches to support healing.
Before you leave, you’ll receive aftercare instructions to help minimize discomfort and promote a smooth recovery.
What Is Recovery Like After Impacted Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Mild swelling, soreness, and slight bleeding are normal and usually improve within a few days. To support healing, we usually recommend that you:
- Rest and avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 to 48 hours.
- Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling.
- Eat soft foods and avoid using a straw for the first few days.
- Keep the area clean by following your dentist’s oral hygiene instructions.
- Take any prescribed or recommended pain medication as directed.
If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, swelling that worsens after a few days, or signs of infection, contact your dentist promptly for an evaluation.
The Next Steps
Impacted wisdom teeth are common, and having one does not automatically mean trouble is coming, but ignoring pain, swelling, or stiffness at the back of the jaw is rarely the right call. A quick exam and X-ray settle the question of whether a tooth needs to come out now, later, or not at all, and catching it early usually makes the whole process simpler.
For anyone in the Hopkins area dealing with jaw pain or a wisdom tooth that seems to be causing problems, Hopkins Family Dentistry offers same-day appointments and extended hours. Call (952) 935-2121 or email office@familydentistryhopkins.com to schedule a wisdom tooth evaluation before a small issue turns into a bigger one. You can also visit our dental office in Hopkins, MN, at 1919 Mainstreet.
FAQs
Wisdom teeth typically begin to erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. If there is not enough room in the jaw, they may become impacted during this time. Your dentist can monitor their development with routine exams and X-rays.
It depends on the tooth. If it is not causing pain or damaging nearby teeth, your dentist may simply monitor it with regular check-ups. However, if it causes pain, infection, decay, or other complications, delaying treatment can increase the risk of more serious problems.
Most impacted wisdom tooth removals take 30 to 60 minutes, although the exact time depends on the tooth’s position, the number of teeth being removed, and the complexity of the procedure.
The procedure itself should not be painful because the area is numbed with local anesthesia. You may experience some soreness and swelling after the extraction, but these symptoms are usually manageable with medication and proper aftercare.
An infected impacted wisdom tooth can cause severe pain, swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, bad breath, and, in some cases, fever. Please visit the dentist immediately to prevent the infection from spreading and to determine whether the tooth should be removed.
