What is an impacted tooth?

Although most people develop and grow 32 permanent adult teeth, many times their jaws are too small to accommodate all four wisdom teeth. When inadequate space prevents these teeth from erupting, they are called impacted wisdom teeth. This indicates their inability to erupt into the proper position for chewing and cleaning.

A diagram half mouth X-ray with teeth impaction and half digital graphic highlighting impacted teeth

TYPES OF IMPACTIONS

  • Soft Tissue Impaction: There is not enough room to allow the gum tissue to retract for adequate cleaning of the tooth.
  • Partial Bony Impaction: There is limited space to allow the wisdom tooth to partially erupt. However, the tooth cannot function properly in the chewing process and often creates hygiene issues.
  • Complete Bony Impaction: There is no space for the tooth to erupt. It remains embedded in the jaw bone, or if even partially visible requires complex surgical techniques for removal. The impacted wisdom tooth may also be in an unusual position and difficult to extract. This situation can also arise when the shape or size of the jaw bone and other facial structures make removal of this tooth significantly more complicated.
A representation of a wisdom tooth impacted by soft tissueSoft Tissue
An example of a wisdom tooth with a partial bony impactionPartial Bony
An illustration of a wisdom tooth completely impacted by boneComplete Bony

Dr. Pierse requires a consultation to determine if patients will benefit from wisdom tooth removal. Imaging will be taken to determine if your wisdom teeth are impacted, if there is room for them to erupt, and how difficult it will be to have them removed.

Contact Precision Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery online or by phone at Phoenix Office Phone Number (623) 518-2325.