Impacted teeth are teeth that are unable to emerge (erupt) properly from the gum.
(See also Overview of Tooth Disorders.)
Impaction is usually caused by the overcrowding of teeth, which leaves insufficient room for a new tooth to emerge. Impaction can occur when a baby tooth is lost before the new tooth is ready to emerge, which allows the remaining teeth to drift into the space reserved for the new tooth. However, most teeth that become impacted are wisdom teeth because they are the last permanent teeth to come in and the jaw lacks enough room to accommodate them.
Impacted teeth may become infected and are of little use in chewing, so they are usually removed. Often the removal can be done in the dentist’s office. In the office, people remain awake and are given a local anesthetic or a sedative to calm them. Sometimes the surgery is done in a hospital. In a hospital, people are given a general anesthetic to make them fall asleep.
More Information
The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that The Manual is not responsible for the content of this resource.
Mouth Healthy: This general resource provides information on oral health, including nutrition and guidance on selecting products that carry the American Dental Association's seal of approval. There is also advice on finding a dentist and how and when to see one.
