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Wisdom teeth are often the last teeth to arrive and the first to cause problems. For many patients, these third molars do not have enough space to emerge properly. When they grow sideways, remain partially trapped, or fail to erupt at all, they are considered impacted.
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a range of serious oral health complications, some of which may not be immediately noticeable. We frequently see patients who delay wisdom tooth removal under the assumption that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But by the time symptoms appear, damage may already be underway.
Let’s break down what impaction means, why wisdom teeth commonly cause issues, and the six dangerous consequences that may follow if they’re left untreated.
We offer oral surgery at our locations in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe and Show Low.
Table of Contents
- What Does It Mean for a Wisdom Tooth To Be Impacted?
- 6 Complications That Can Arise from Impacted Wisdom Teeth
- “Why Remove Them If They Don’t Hurt?”
- How We Evaluate Wisdom Teeth at AZ Max
- Schedule a Wisdom Tooth Evaluation
- FAQs
What Does It Mean for a Wisdom Tooth To Be Impacted?
A wisdom tooth is considered impacted when it cannot fully emerge through the gums due to a lack of space or an unusual angle of growth. This often occurs because the jaw simply does not have enough room to accommodate four additional molars. As a result, wisdom teeth may:
- Grow at an angle toward the adjacent tooth
- Grow toward the back of the mouth
- Remain trapped under the gums
- Partially erupt, leaving a flap of gum tissue over the tooth
Even if there is no immediate discomfort, impaction can silently contribute to a range of oral health problems.
6 Complications That Can Arise from Impacted Wisdom Teeth
1. Crowded or Crooked Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth can push against nearby molars, causing them to shift out of alignment. This is particularly frustrating for patients who have completed orthodontic treatment, as it can undo months or years of progress. Even if you’ve never worn braces, the added pressure can still cause dental crowding and bite problems.
2. Pain and Infection
Partially erupted wisdom teeth create a pocket where bacteria, food, and plaque can accumulate. These areas are hard to clean and prone to inflammation, swelling, and painful infections like pericoronitis. The pain may be localized or radiate to the jaw, ear, or neck.
3. Damage to Adjacent Teeth
Impacted molars that grow toward neighboring teeth can wear away enamel, increase the risk of cavities, and even cause root damage to second molars. The pressure from an impacted tooth may also cause bone loss in the surrounding area.
4. Cysts and Tumors
While rare, fluid-filled cysts can form around impacted wisdom teeth. These cysts may damage bone, nerves, and surrounding teeth. In severe cases, benign tumors can also develop. Surgical removal is necessary to prevent long-term complications and preserve jaw structure.
5. Gum Disease
Because impacted teeth are difficult to access and clean, they increase the risk of developing gum disease, particularly around the back molars. Inflammation can spread below the gum line, potentially leading to chronic infection, bone loss, and even tooth loss.
6. Jaw Stiffness and Sinus Problems
Impacted wisdom teeth in the upper jaw can press against the sinus cavity, causing pressure, congestion, or headaches. In some cases, the lower jaw may become stiff or sore from inflammation caused by surrounding infection or bone changes.
“Why Remove Them If They Don’t Hurt?”
This is a common question and a valid one! Not all wisdom teeth cause immediate symptoms, which can make removal seem unnecessary. However, many of the problems listed above develop gradually and without symptoms. By the time pain or visible issues appear, the damage may already require more invasive treatment.
Proactive removal, especially during the teenage years, allows us to avoid many of these complications. For a broader overview, read what happens if you don’t get your wisdom teeth removed.
Why Early Removal Matters
Oral surgeons often recommend removing impacted wisdom teeth between ages 17 and 21, and here’s why:
- Shorter roots: Younger patients have developing roots that are easier to remove, reducing surgical difficulty and healing time.
- Less risk to nerves: As roots grow longer, they may come into closer contact with nerves in the jaw—especially the inferior alveolar nerve—making extraction riskier.
- Faster recovery: Teenagers and young adults tend to heal more quickly and with fewer complications than older patients.
Waiting until wisdom teeth become painful can increase the risks and prolong recovery.
How We Evaluate Wisdom Teeth at AZ Max
Before recommending removal, we always take the time to understand what’s really going on beneath the surface. We use either 2D panoramic X-rays, or 3D CT X-rays to assess how your wisdom teeth are developing and whether they’re likely to cause problems in the future.
This imaging gives us a full view of the angle, depth, and positioning of each tooth. It also shows how close the roots are to nerves, sinuses, or neighboring teeth, key factors that influence whether early removal is a safer option.
With this information, we can give you a clear, evidence-based recommendation tailored to your anatomy and risk level. Not every wisdom tooth needs to be removed, but many do and our goal is to help you make that decision with confidence.
Schedule a Wisdom Tooth Evaluation
We are happy to review your X-rays, evaluate your symptoms (or lack thereof), and give you expert, honest guidance on what comes next.
With offices in Mesa, North Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek, and Show Low, our board-certified oral surgeons are here to help you preserve your oral health, whether that means removal or monitoring.
To book an appointment at any one of our locations, call or text (480) 830-5866.
FAQs
No, not all wisdom teeth need to be removed. If they grow in fully, are aligned properly, and do not affect surrounding teeth or gum health, they may not pose a problem. However, impacted wisdom teeth often cause complications, which is why regular monitoring and evaluation by an oral surgeon is important.
The ideal time to remove wisdom teeth is typically between ages 17 and 21, before the roots are fully developed and while the bone is still less dense. Early removal can make the procedure easier and lower the risk of complications.
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to crowding, pain, infection, decay of nearby teeth, gum disease, and in rare cases, cysts or tumors. Even if you’re not currently experiencing symptoms, issues can develop over time.
In general, yes, impacted wisdom teeth are usually more difficult to remove than fully erupted teeth because they may be trapped under the gums, angled, or positioned close to nerves or sinuses. The level of difficulty depends on the tooth’s position, depth, and root development.
Most patients recover within 3 to 5 days for basic activities, though full healing may take a few weeks. Following post-op instructions, such as eating soft foods, avoiding straws, and keeping the area clean, helps speed up healing.
If you are looking for an experienced oral surgeon near you for wisdom tooth removal, AZ Max Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons has multiple convenient locations in Mesa, North Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek, and Show Low, Arizona. Our board-certified oral surgeons specialize in wisdom tooth extractions and can guide you through every step of the process.
