Wisdom teeth: Encyclopedia II - Wisdom teeth - Impactions

Wisdom teeth - Impactions

Impacted wisdom teeth fall into one of several categories. Mesial impaction is the most common form, and means the tooth is angled forward, towards the front of the mouth. Vertical impaction occurs when the formed tooth does not erupt fully through the gumline. Horizontal impaction occurs when the tooth is angled fully ninety degrees forward, growing into the roots of the second molar. Finally, distal impaction is the least common form, and means the tooth is angled backward, towards the rear of the mouth.

Impacted wisdom teeth may also be categorized on whether they are still completely encased in the jawbone. If it is completely encased in the jawbone, it is a bony impaction. If the wisdom tooth has erupted out of the jawbone but not through the gumline, it is called a soft tissue impaction.

Pericoronitis is a common problem in young adults with partial impactions. It occurs when the wisdom tooth has failed to erupt completely through the gum bed, allowing bacteria into an open space around the tooth, causing infection. Common symptoms include a swollen lump near the eruption site, stiffness of the jaw, bad odour or taste in the mouth and pain in the general area which may also run down the entire lower jaw and/or neck.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Impactions", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki