Impacted wisdom teeth occur when an erupting wisdom tooth gets stuck, either partially or fully, in the gum or jawbone.
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Wisdom teeth are the third molars at the very back of your mouth. They are the last teeth to develop in your mouth, and most people will have four come through (erupt) between the ages of 18 and 24 years (one on each side of your top and bottom jaw).
An impacted wisdom tooth is a wisdom tooth that gets stuck, either partially or fully, in your gum or jawbone as it erupts. Impacted wisdom teeth can contribute to several oral health problems, including infection, tooth decay and gum disease.
At OneWelbeck, our maxillofacial (oral and facial) specialists are experts in treating impacted wisdom teeth and associated conditions.
There are four types of impacted wisdom teeth, with their name reflecting their positioning:
Mesial impaction – the tooth is angled toward the front of your mouth
Distal impaction – the tooth is angled toward the back of your mouth
Vertical impaction – the tooth is in the correct position, but is prevented from erupting by an adjacent tooth
Horizontal impaction – the tooth is on its side
Impacted wisdom teeth don’t always cause problems and may not require any treatment. In some cases, symptoms can develop very suddenly or slowly over time.
Signs and symptoms associated with impacted wisdom teeth include:
Pain or swelling in your jaw or face
A bad taste in your mouth
Bad breath
Difficulty opening your mouth all the way
Headaches (radiated pain from the jaw)
Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there is not enough space in the jaw to accommodate the teeth, and/or when the tooth is erupting at an angle rather than vertically.
At One Welbeck, our maxillofacial specialists can diagnose impacted teeth by examining your teeth and mouth, asking about your symptoms and taking X-rays of your jaw.
If symptomatic impacted wisdom teeth are not treated, they can negatively impact your oral health, which can lead to issues like:
Even if you do not have symptoms, we recommend you see a specialist for advice, as you may need treatment to prevent symptoms and complications in the future.
Impacted wisdom teeth can be extracted, partially removed (coronectomy) or monitored. Your specialist will discuss the most appropriate management for your specific situation with you and help you come to an informed decision as to how you wish to proceed.
In many cases, the treatment for impacted wisdom teeth is the removal of the tooth (extraction).
At OneWelbeck, our maxillofacial specialists are experts in impacted wisdom tooth extraction, as well as the treatment of associated complications.
Our specialists can perform an extraction in our Oral and Facial Health Clinic as an outpatient procedure or under a short general anaesthetic in our day case facility.
Your specialist will explain the procedure to you, including any preparation, risks and aftercare at your initial consultation.
Get in touch today to book an appointment with a OneWelbeck maxillofacial specialist.
What are impacted wisdom teeth?
What are the symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth?
What causes impacted wisdom teeth?
How are impacted wisdom teeth diagnosed?
How are impacted wisdom teeth diagnosed?
What are the complications associated with impacted wisdom teeth?
How are impacted wisdom teeth treated?
We have brought together a team of leading oral and maxillofacial surgeons, ENT specialists, and dental experts to create our Oral & Facial Health team. These highly experienced clinicians are leaders in their field, dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care.