Tooth impaction

A condition where a tooth fails to fully erupt into the mouth

Tooth impaction is a dental condition where a tooth fails to fully pass through the gumline and erupt into its expected position in the dental arch. This condition is most commonly associated with the third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, but can affect other teeth such as canines and premolars.

Causes

Tooth impaction can occur due to several reasons, including:

• Lack of space: The most common cause of impaction is insufficient space in the dental arch for the tooth to erupt.
• Abnormal tooth angulation: Teeth that are angled incorrectly may not be able to erupt properly.
• Overlying bone or soft tissue: Excessive bone or soft tissue can obstruct the path of eruption.
• Genetic factors: Family history can play a role in the likelihood of tooth impaction.

Types of Impaction

Tooth impaction can be classified based on the position of the tooth and the surrounding structures:

• Mesioangular impaction: The tooth is angled towards the front of the mouth.
• Distoangular impaction: The tooth is angled towards the back of the mouth.
• Vertical impaction: The tooth is in an upright position but fails to erupt fully.
• Horizontal impaction: The tooth is lying on its side within the jawbone.

Impacted tooth during surgery

Symptoms

Impacted teeth may not always cause symptoms, but when they do, they can include:

• Pain or tenderness in the gums or jaw
• Swelling around the affected area
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Headaches or jaw aches

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of tooth impaction typically involves a clinical examination and imaging studies such as dental X-rays. These tools help determine the position of the impacted tooth and assess any potential complications.

Complications

If left untreated, impacted teeth can lead to several complications, including:

• Infection: Bacteria can accumulate around the impacted tooth, leading to infection.
• Cyst formation: A fluid-filled sac can develop around the impacted tooth, potentially damaging surrounding structures.
• Damage to adjacent teeth: The pressure from an impacted tooth can cause damage to neighboring teeth.
• Crowding: Impacted teeth can contribute to crowding and misalignment of other teeth.

Impacted mandibular canine

Treatment

Treatment for impacted teeth depends on the severity of the impaction and the presence of symptoms. Options include:

• Observation: In asymptomatic cases, regular monitoring may be sufficient.
• Surgical extraction: Removal of the impacted tooth is often recommended, especially if symptoms or complications are present.
• Orthodontic treatment: In some cases, orthodontic intervention may be used to guide the impacted tooth into its proper position.

Prevention

While it is not always possible to prevent tooth impaction, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help identify potential issues early. Early intervention can sometimes prevent the need for more invasive treatments later on.

Milk tooth and impacted inverted second premolar

Related pages

• Wisdom tooth
• Orthodontics
• Dental surgery