When there's not enough space in the mouth, wisdom teeth can come in horizontally and become impacted. This means they aren't able to break through the gums to fully emerge. These “sideways” wisdom teeth are parallel with the jawbone, and they can lead to swelling or infection in the gums.

Do sideways wisdom teeth need to be removed?

All impacted wisdom teeth do not need to be removed. If the impacted wisdom tooth is causing problems, then it will probably have to be removed, but not otherwise. An impacted wisdom tooth takes place when your wisdom teeth grow at an awkward angle, or if there is not enough room for them.

Is horizontal wisdom teeth removal painful?

As the tooth grows horizontally, over time it can cause excruciating pain as it tries to push the molar forward. If an x-ray or 3D CBCT scan can confirm horizontal impaction, then a tooth extraction surgery is then encouraged.