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Impacted Tooth

An impacted tooth, like an embedded tooth, is a tooth that stays below the surface of the gum instead of breaking through the gum and into the mouth. However, where an impacted tooth and an embedded tooth differ is why they do not break through into the mouth.

While an embedded tooth is prevented from erupting because it is covered by bone, an impacted tooth cannot erupt because it is wedged against another tooth or teeth. If a tooth becomes impacted or embedded and causes a person problems, it may need to be removed by a dentist. The most common teeth impacted are the wisdom teeth (the third set of molars).

Symptoms of an Impacted Tooth

Bad breath
Occasional difficulty in opening the mouth
Pain associated with the gum or jaw bone
Prolonged jaw ache
Gap where a tooth did not emerge

Treatment

If the tooth is not causing any problems, treatment is not necessary. Pain relievers may help if the tooth is causing discomfort. Extraction (removal) is the usual treatment for an impacted tooth. Difficult cases may require an oral surgeon. In some cases the tooth becomes infected and antibiotics are needed.

Informational Articles

Wisdom Teeth Extraction (05/27/10)

Composite Fillings (04/27/10)

Partial Dentures (04/27/10)

Tooth Colored Fillings (04/27/10)