Reasons You Need that Impacted Wisdom Tooth Removed

Posted on 3/15/2025 by Life Long Dental

A panoramic dental X-ray with a highlighted area showing an impacted and inflamed wisdom tooth causing pain.

Wisdom teeth, those four molars located at the back of your mouth, are often the last teeth to erupt. This usually happens during your late teens or early twenties. While some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth, others experience complications like impaction.

An impacted wisdom tooth is one that is trapped beneath the gum tissue or bone, unable to erupt fully. This can lead to a host of problems, including:

•	Pain and swelling: The pressure of the impacted tooth on surrounding tissues can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness in the jaw.
•	Infection: Impacted wisdom teeth are more prone to infection, which can spread to nearby teeth and gums. This can lead to even more pain, swelling, and even fever.
•	Damage to adjacent teeth: The pressure from the impacted tooth can damage the roots of nearby teeth, leading to cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
•	Cyst formation: In some cases, a fluid-filled sac called a cyst can form around an impacted wisdom tooth. This can damage the surrounding bone and even weaken the jaw.
•	Tumors: While rare, tumors can develop around impacted wisdom teeth.

How do you know if your wisdom tooth is impacted?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it's important to see your dentist for an examination:

•	Pain and swelling in the back of your mouth
•	Difficulty opening your mouth
•	Tenderness and redness in the gums
•	Bad breath or a foul taste
•	Pus discharge from the gums

Your dentist will likely take an X-ray to confirm the position of your wisdom teeth and determine if they are impacted.

Why remove impacted wisdom teeth?

In most cases, removing impacted wisdom teeth is the best course of action. This is because the potential complications of leaving them in place outweigh the risks of surgery.

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common oral surgery procedure that is usually performed under local anesthesia. The dentist will make a small incision in the gum tissue and remove the impacted tooth. The procedure usually takes about an hour, and most patients experience minimal discomfort afterwards.

While the idea of removing a tooth may seem daunting, it's important to remember that doing so can prevent serious problems down the road. By taking proactive steps to address impacted wisdom teeth, you can protect your oral health and ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene through regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups is crucial for overall oral health.

If you have any concerns about your wisdom teeth, don't hesitate to talk to your dentist. They can provide you with the information and guidance you need to make informed decisions about your oral care.

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Dental Blog - Silverdale, WA • Life Long Dental
Dr. Gillespie has created this informative blog to help educate the community. Did you like a topic? Please contact us today! Life Long Dental is your dentist in Silverdale, WA.
Life Long Dental, 3100 NW Bucklin Hill Rd, Suite 209, Silverdale, WA 98383 • (360) 633-2377 • lifelongdental.com • 4/26/2025 • Related Terms: Dentist Silverdale WA •