Summary
An impacted wisdom tooth occurs when there is insufficient space in the jaw for the third molar to erupt normally, causing it to grow at an angle or remain trapped beneath the gums. Key symptoms include persistent jaw ache, swollen or bleeding gums near the back molars, unpleasant mouth odour, and difficulty opening the mouth. If left untreated, impacted teeth can cause infection (pericoronitis), damage neighbouring teeth, or form fluid-filled cysts.
What Is an Impacted Wisdom Tooth?
By the late teens or early twenties, the adult jaw has usually finished developing. For many people in Penrith and Western Sydney, there simply isn’t enough room to accommodate the final set of molars—the wisdom teeth. When these teeth collide with bone or neighboring molars, they become impacted.
The 4 Types of Wisdom Tooth Impaction
- Mesial Impaction: The tooth angles forward toward the front of the mouth (most common).
- Vertical Impaction: The tooth is upright but trapped within the jawbone or gum line.
- Distant / Distal Impaction: The tooth tilts backward toward the rear of the jaw.
- Horizontal Impaction: The tooth lies sideways at a 90-degree angle, pushing directly into the roots of the adjacent tooth.
Signs You May Have an Impacted Wisdom Tooth
Symptoms often start mild and worsen over time:
- Throbbing pain or pressure at the very back of your jaw.
- Swollen, tender, or red gums surrounding the back molar.
- Pericoronitis: A painful gum infection around a partially erupted tooth.
- Stiff jaw muscle movement or pain when chewing.
- Bad breath (halitosis) or an unpleasant taste caused by food trapped under the gum flap.
What Happens If You Ignore an Impacted Tooth?
Ignoring an impacted wisdom tooth can lead to larger dental health issues:
- Damage to Adjacent Molars: A horizontal tooth pushes directly against the second molar, causing root resorption or hidden tooth decay.
- Cyst Development: Sacs of fluid can form around an unerupted tooth, damaging jawbone structure and surrounding nerves.
- Crowding: Continuous pressure can cause front teeth to shift out of alignment over time.
When Should You Book an Assessment in Penrith?
If you notice tenderness, recurring swelling, or pain behind your back molars, schedule a digital OPG scan with our clinical team. Early evaluation allows our dentists to safely track tooth development before complications arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do all wisdom teeth need to be extracted?
A: No. If a wisdom tooth is fully erupted, healthy, properly aligned, and easily cleanable, it can usually remain safely in place.
Q: What is pericoronitis?
A: Pericoronitis is an inflammation or infection of the gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted tooth, usually caused by food particles and bacteria trapped beneath the gum flap.
Wisdom teeth can cause severe pain and if you have ever been unlucky enough to experience it, you don’t need us to remind you that it is no joke. If you are experiencing any issues with your wisdom teeth, book a consultation with our team ASAP to prevent any unnecessary discomfort.