You may not think about your wisdom teeth often until they start making themselves known. These late bloomers can sometimes erupt without issue, but when they don’t have enough room to grow, they can become impacted. That’s when problems begin. At Hillside Dental Care, we see impacted wisdom teeth more often than you might think, and we’re here to help you make the right decisions about them.

Let’s unpack what it means when a wisdom tooth is impacted, how to tell if yours are, and whether removing them is really necessary.

Is it really necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth?

Yes, in many cases, it’s necessary to remove impacted wisdom teeth to prevent pain, infections, and other dental complications. While not every impacted tooth causes immediate issues, many do eventually lead to trouble.

Impacted wisdom teeth are teeth that don’t fully erupt into the mouth. They may be stuck under the gum, trapped against neighboring teeth, or angled in a way that prevents normal growth. The result? They often become a hidden source of discomfort or damage. Some people get lucky and their wisdom teeth grow in straight and cause no problems, but that’s the exception.

When impacted wisdom teeth are left untreated, they can crowd your other teeth, damage roots, cause cysts, or even affect your jawbone. These aren’t just minor inconveniences. They can lead to long-term issues that require more involved and expensive treatments later on.

There’s also the matter of timing. Removing wisdom teeth is usually easier and less risky in your late teens or early twenties before the roots fully develop and become more embedded in the jaw. Waiting too long may mean a more difficult recovery and a higher risk of complications.

Of course, not all wisdom teeth need to be pulled. If yours are healthy, fully erupted, and not interfering with your bite or neighboring teeth, your dentist might recommend monitoring them with regular checkups instead of removing them right away. But the key is knowing what’s happening beneath the surface.

How do you know if a wisdom tooth is impacted?

You know a wisdom tooth is impacted when it fails to break through the gum line fully or grows at an angle that affects other teeth. Some signs are subtle, but others are hard to miss.

Common symptoms include:

• Jaw pain or pressure in the back of your mouth
• Swollen or bleeding gums, especially near the molars
• Difficulty opening your mouth fully or chewing in that area
• Bad breath or a bad taste that doesn’t go away
• Persistent headaches or earaches

Some people have no symptoms at all but find out their wisdom teeth are impacted during a dental x-ray. These cases can be deceiving because the absence of pain doesn't mean the absence of problems. Impacted teeth can quietly push against your molars or create small pockets where bacteria thrive, leading to decay or gum disease.

Dental imaging is crucial here. An x-ray gives a clear view of how the teeth are positioned and whether there’s cause for concern. We often see patients surprised by what’s going on under the gums. The earlier we catch it, the easier the treatment tends to be.

And if you're feeling occasional soreness in your jaw or tenderness behind your last molars, don't brush it off. Even mild discomfort can be your body’s way of alerting you to a brewing issue.

Are impacted wisdom teeth dangerous?

Yes, impacted wisdom teeth can be dangerous when they start causing infections, cysts, or damage to neighboring teeth. Even if they seem harmless now, they can become a problem down the line.

When a tooth stays stuck under the gums, it’s more prone to becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. The partial eruption often creates a flap of gum that traps food particles and plaque. This can lead to pericoronitis, a painful gum infection common with impacted teeth. If untreated, the infection can spread deeper into the jaw or bloodstream.

Another concern is cyst formation. Impacted teeth sometimes develop fluid-filled sacs that can grow and damage the jawbone, nearby roots, or even nerves. These aren’t common, but when they happen, the damage can be significant and permanent.

Crowding is another silent threat. As impacted teeth push against other molars, they can shift your entire bite, undoing years of orthodontic work or causing uneven wear. You may not notice the movement right away, but it can affect your smile and oral health in the long run.

And let’s not forget pain. Impacted wisdom teeth can flare up with intense, throbbing discomfort, especially when there’s inflammation or infection. It’s not something most people want to deal with repeatedly.

That said, the risks can often be avoided with early detection and preventive removal. It’s why so many dentists recommend getting them taken out before they create a domino effect of problems.

What happens during wisdom tooth removal?

Once it's clear that removal is the best option, the process is straightforward. At Hillside Dental Care, we walk you through every step so there are no surprises.

The first step is an evaluation. Using digital x-rays, we assess how many wisdom teeth are impacted and their position. This helps us decide if the removal can be done in our office or if a referral to an oral surgeon is best.

Most extractions are done with local anesthesia and sedation for comfort. You won’t feel pain during the procedure, just some pressure. The dentist gently opens the gum, removes the tooth (sometimes in sections), and stitches the area to help it heal.

The procedure typically takes less than an hour per tooth. Recovery time varies, but most patients feel significantly better within a few days. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to minimize swelling and discomfort.

You may experience mild pain, swelling, and limited mouth opening right after the procedure, but these symptoms usually subside with ice packs, prescribed medication, and rest.

What if you leave them alone?

It’s a fair question. If your impacted teeth aren't hurting, is it okay to just ignore them?

In some rare cases, yes. If they’re fully enclosed in bone and show no signs of causing issues, your dentist might suggest keeping an eye on them with regular x-rays. But this is more the exception than the rule.

The biggest issue is that wisdom teeth don’t stay static. Their position and impact on nearby structures can change over time. A tooth that looks harmless at 18 could become a major problem at 30.

Plus, removal is generally easier and comes with fewer risks when you’re younger. Healing is faster, and the bone is less dense. Waiting too long can mean a more complex procedure and longer downtime.

The “wait and see” approach should always be monitored closely. Skipping dental checkups or ignoring mild discomfort can lead to unnecessary complications. The safest route is to stay informed and proactive.

When is the best time to remove impacted wisdom teeth?

There’s no universal age, but most extractions happen between ages 17 and 25. This is when the teeth are likely to be forming roots but haven’t fully fused with the jawbone yet.

The earlier you evaluate them, the better. Even if you're not feeling pain, a routine dental exam and x-ray in your late teens or early twenties can provide the clarity you need. If you’re past that window, don’t worry. Many adults successfully remove wisdom teeth in their 30s and 40s, but the recovery may take a bit longer.

Delaying removal increases the risk of root complications, nerve involvement, and sinus issues. Your dentist will assess your individual situation and recommend the best timing based on what’s visible on the x-ray.

What can you do now?

If you’re experiencing discomfort, swelling, or suspect your wisdom teeth are impacted, don’t ignore it. Schedule a visit at Hillside Dental Care and let us take a closer look. We’ll provide a thorough evaluation, discuss your options, and walk you through the process if extraction is needed.

Even if you’re not in pain, it’s a good idea to get your wisdom teeth checked—especially if you’ve never had them evaluated or are overdue for a dental visit. The earlier you address it, the easier it is to prevent complications later.

Don’t wait for it to get worse. Book your appointment with Hillside Dental Care today and let’s make sure your smile stays healthy for the long haul.