Impacted Teeth

What Is an Impacted Tooth?

An impacted tooth is a tooth that has not erupted when it should have and remains trapped under the gum or bone.

Which Teeth Can Become Impacted?

Wisdom teeth, canine teeth, and premolars can also become impacted. If they are determined to be in a position that cannot be corrected orthodontically (with braces), they should be extracted surgically by oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

What Are the Symptoms of an Impacted Tooth?

Common impacted tooth symptoms include:

• Pain in the tooth and gums
• Redness in the gums
• Swelling in the area of the impacted tooth
• Pain radiating to the jaw or ear
• Swelling of the lymph nodes

What Causes Impacted Teeth?

There are several factors that can cause a tooth to remain impacted.

The main causes of impacted teeth include:

• Genetic factors — Some people are genetically predisposed to have impacted teeth.
• Narrow jaw structure — Lack of sufficient space in the mouth can lead to impaction.
• Untreated cavities in primary (baby) teeth — Infection and inflammation caused by decayed baby teeth may prevent permanent teeth from erupting properly.

What Is the Treatment for Impacted Teeth?

One of the most common questions from patients is about impacted tooth extraction. If the impacted tooth affects the patient’s aesthetics or function, it should first be evaluated orthodontically and, if possible, brought into position with orthodontic treatment. This eliminates both the functional and aesthetic issues caused by the missing tooth and prevents potential future problems.

If the tooth cannot be moved orthodontically due to its position or condition, alternative treatment methods may be considered.

These treatments include surgical extraction of the tooth or leaving it in place under regular observation, depending on the specific situation.

Can an Impacted Tooth Erupt on Its Own?

Whether an impacted tooth can erupt on its own depends on its position within the bone. In some cases, impacted teeth may naturally erupt if their position allows it.

What Are the Risks of Impacted Teeth?

Impacted teeth can put pressure on neighboring teeth, causing pain in the jawbone. Depending on their position, they may also lead to cavities in adjacent teeth.

Can There Be Impacted Teeth in the Upper Palate?

Canine teeth sometimes remain impacted beneath the gum or within the jawbone. These teeth fail to reach the oral cavity. Impacted canines in the upper jaw are often located in the palate area, and the baby canines may still be present in the mouth.