Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop, usually emerging between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people experience no issues with their wisdom teeth, others face complications due to impaction. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there is insufficient space in the jaw for proper eruption, causing the teeth to grow at an abnormal angle or remain partially or fully trapped beneath the gum.
At our dental practice in Hamilton, New Zealand, our experienced dentists specialize in the removal of impacted wisdom teeth. We provide high-quality care at reasonable prices to ensure our patients receive the best treatment possible.
Types of Wisdom Teeth Impactions 
Wisdom teeth impactions are classified based on their angle and position. Understanding these types helps in assessing the difficulty of removal:
- Mesial Impaction
- The wisdom tooth is angled forward, pushing against the adjacent second molar. This is the most common type of impaction and can cause discomfort, crowding, and decay in neighboring teeth.
- Distal Impaction
- The wisdom tooth is angled backward, away from the second molar. This is less common but can still pose challenges, especially if the tooth is deeply embedded.
- Vertical Impaction
- The wisdom tooth is aligned correctly but remains trapped within the gum or bone. If it partially erupts, it can create a pocket for bacteria, leading to infection.
- Horizontal Impaction
- The wisdom tooth lies completely sideways, pressing into the roots of the second molar. This is one of the most difficult types of impactions to remove and often requires a more complex surgical approach.
- Soft Tissue Impaction
- The crown of the wisdom tooth is partially erupted through the gum, but the rest of the tooth remains covered by gum tissue. This can lead to gum irritation and infection (pericoronitis).
- Bony Impaction
- The wisdom tooth is fully encased in the jawbone. This is the most challenging type of impaction to treat and may require removal of surrounding bone tissue.
Challenges and Difficulty of Removal
The difficulty of wisdom tooth removal depends on several factors, including the type of impaction, the tooth’s position, and the patient’s anatomy. Here are some aspects that influence the complexity of the procedure:
- Depth of Impaction: Teeth deeply embedded in the jawbone or positioned near important structures like nerves or sinuses are more difficult to remove.
- Root Anatomy: Wisdom teeth with curved or multiple roots can complicate the extraction process.
- Angle of Impaction: Horizontal and distal impactions often require more extensive surgical intervention compared to vertical or mesial impactions.
- Proximity to Nerves: Wisdom teeth close to the inferior alveolar nerve may increase the risk of nerve damage during removal.
When is Removal Necessary?
While not all impacted wisdom teeth require removal, dentists often recommend extraction in the following cases:
- Pain or discomfort
- Repeated infections or swelling
- Tooth decay or gum disease affecting the wisdom tooth or neighboring teeth
- Cysts or tumors forming around the impacted tooth
- Damage to adjacent teeth due to pressure or misalignment
The Removal Process
- Consultation and Diagnosis: The dentist or oral surgeon evaluates the impacted tooth using X-rays and discusses the best approach for removal.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia is administered depending on the complexity of the case.
- Extraction:
- Simple Extraction: For partially erupted wisdom teeth with minimal impaction.
- Surgical Extraction: For fully impacted teeth, involving incision of gum tissue, removal of bone, and sectioning the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal.
- Post-Operative Care: Instructions include managing swelling, pain relief, maintaining oral hygiene, and avoiding certain foods and activities to promote healing.
Conclusion
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to various complications if left untreated. Understanding the types of impactions and the associated difficulties can help patients make informed decisions about their oral health.
If you’re in Hamilton, New Zealand, and suspect you have impacted wisdom teeth, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and receive expert care tailored to your needs.