15/10/2026
What does it actually mean when a dentist says your wisdom tooth is “impacted”?
Think of it as a tooth that hasn’t been able to emerge normally.
Wisdom teeth develop at the very back of the mouth. When jaw space is limited or the tooth develops at an awkward angle, it may remain partly or completely trapped beneath the gum.
Impacted wisdom teeth can vary considerably. Some stay quiet for years, while others may contribute to:
• Discomfort or pressure
• Gum inflammation
• Repeated infection
• Difficulty cleaning around the area
• Problems affecting neighbouring teeth
That’s why an X-ray or other dental imaging is often an important part of wisdom tooth assessment.
If you’d like to understand how impacted wisdom teeth are evaluated, read more here: https://bit.ly/4xPqQiG