1. Wisdom Tooth
Full Bony Impaction
Here,  we see a lower wisdom tooth totally submerged in the bone.  This tooth must be watched and if it shows no signs of changing or moving it may be best to leave it alone. 
This is called a "Full or Total Bony Impaction."

2. Wisdom Tooth 
Partial Bony Impaction
Here,  we see a lower wisdom tooth that has erupted partially so that only part of the tooth is in the mouth.  The gum over the back of the tooth is infected and trimming this gum tissue away will not result in a  useful tooth.  The tooth must be extracted.

3. Wisdom Tooth
Soft Tissue Impaction
Where the tooth is erupted from the bony but still under gum, this is called a "Soft Tissue Impaction." Here,  we see a lower wisdom tooth that has emerged from the bone but has a covering of gum around its rear side.  The gum shown is red and irritated  from being chewed on and from a collection of debris and bacteria under it.  Sometimes the gum can be trimmed off and the tooth will be able to remain in the mouth. Sometimes it can be anticipated that the jaw is not finished growing and there will be room. These are the borderline cases and the decision can go either way.                   
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