Wisdom teeth can become impacted when they are trapped under the gums or bone, causing considerable pain.
When trapped, wisdom teeth can easily decay and may even damage surrounding teeth. As such, impacted wisdom teeth require extraction.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth are impacted?
Are there different types of wisdom tooth impaction?
Am I at risk of developing an impacted wisdom tooth?
What causes wisdom teeth to become impacted?
Are impacted wisdom teeth commonly removed?
Are impacted wisdom teeth easy to diagnose?
Most of the time, an impacted wisdom tooth is easy to diagnose during a routine dental exam. During the exam, your doctor can perform a visual evaluation of your bite and review digital x-rays to determine where and how the tooth has become impacted. For more complex impaction, the doctor can also use 3-D imaging technology for a clear view of all the tissues involved.
What should I do if I think I have an impacted wisdom tooth?