Surgical removal of 3rd molars and other embedded teeth
Dental impaction occurs when a tooth is unable to fully emerge from the gums or when it grows at an abnormal angle, causing it to become stuck or impacted. This most commonly occurs with wisdom teeth, but it can also occur with other teeth in the mouth.
Impacted teeth can cause a number of problems, including pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. In some cases, they may need to be removed to prevent further complications.
There are several types of impactions, including:
Soft tissue impaction: In this type of impaction, the tooth is partially erupted, but the gum tissue is covering part of the tooth.
Partial bony impaction: In this type of impaction, the tooth is partially covered by the jawbone.
Complete bony impaction: In this type of impaction, the tooth is fully covered by the jawbone and cannot emerge at all.
Impacted teeth may not cause any symptoms initially, but as they continue to grow and put pressure on surrounding teeth and tissues, they can cause pain, swelling, and infection. In some cases, they may also cause damage to adjacent teeth or lead to the formation of cysts or tumors.
Treatment for impacted teeth depends on the severity and location of the impaction, as well as the age and overall health of the patient. In some cases, the dentist or oral surgeon may recommend extraction of the impacted tooth to prevent further problems. In other cases, they may be able to remove the gum tissue or reshape the surrounding bone to allow the tooth to emerge properly. Regular dental check-ups and X-rays can help identify impactions early, before they cause significant problems.