What Is an Impacted Tooth, and How Is Impacted Tooth Extraction Performed?
What Is an Impacted Tooth, and How Is Impacted Tooth Extraction Performed?
One of the most common problems encountered in oral and dental health is impacted teeth. This condition can progress without noticeable symptoms for a long time, but when left untreated, it may lead to serious oral health issues. Wisdom teeth are particularly prone to becoming impacted. In this article, the definition, types, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and extraction process of impacted teeth are discussed in detail.
What Is an Impacted Tooth?
An impacted tooth is a tooth that fails to erupt into the mouth at the expected time or in the correct position and remains partially or completely under the gum tissue or jawbone. While some impacted teeth cause no symptoms, others may lead to pain, infection, and damage to surrounding tissues.
The teeth most commonly affected include:
- Wisdom teeth
- Canine teeth
- Less commonly, premolars
What Are the Types of Impacted Teeth?
Impacted teeth are classified according to their position and eruption status:
1. Fully Impacted Tooth
The tooth is completely covered by bone and gum tissue and is not visible in the mouth. It is usually detected through X-ray imaging.
2. Partially Impacted Tooth
Part of the tooth has erupted into the mouth. This condition often increases the risk of gum infections and poor oral hygiene.
3. Impacted Teeth Based on Angulation
- Vertical impaction
- Horizontal impaction
- Mesial (tilted forward)
- Distal (tilted backward)
The angle of impaction plays an important role in determining the difficulty of extraction.
What Are the Symptoms of an Impacted Tooth?
Impacted teeth may remain asymptomatic for long periods. However, common symptoms include:
- Jaw and gum pain
- Swelling and redness of the gums
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Bad breath
- Sensitivity while chewing
- Pain radiating to the ear, head, or throat
- Recurrent gum infections
These symptoms are more frequently seen in partially impacted teeth.
What Are the Causes of Impacted Teeth?
Several factors may contribute to the development of impacted teeth:
- Lack of space in the jaw
- Genetic predisposition
- Delayed loss of baby teeth
- Improper positioning of adjacent teeth
- Abnormal eruption path
- Early or late tooth extractions
Modern dietary habits that lead to reduced jaw development have also increased the incidence of impacted teeth.
What Problems Can an Impacted Tooth Cause?
If left untreated, impacted teeth may lead to various complications:
- Gum infections (pericoronitis)
- Cavities and root resorption in adjacent teeth
- Jaw cysts and, rarely, tumors
- Misalignment of teeth
- Jawbone pain and inflammation
- Difficulty maintaining proper oral hygiene
Therefore, even asymptomatic impacted teeth should be monitored regularly.
How Is an Impacted Tooth Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of impacted teeth is primarily made through radiological examinations, including:
- Panoramic dental X-rays
- Three-dimensional dental tomography when necessary
These imaging methods help assess the tooth’s position, its relationship with nearby nerves, and the complexity of the extraction. Clinical examination combined with imaging ensures an accurate treatment plan.
How Is Impacted Tooth Extraction Performed?
Impacted tooth extraction is generally a minor surgical procedure and includes the following steps:
1. Local Anesthesia
The area is completely numbed so the patient does not feel pain during the procedure.
2. Gum and Bone Access
The gum tissue is lifted, and if necessary, a small amount of bone is removed to reach the tooth.
3. Sectioning the Tooth
If the tooth is large or positioned unfavorably, it may be divided into smaller sections for easier removal.
4. Cleaning and Suturing
The area is cleaned thoroughly, and sutures may be placed to promote proper healing.
5. Healing Process
- The first 24 hours are crucial
- Cold compresses may be applied
- Prescribed medications should be taken as directed
- Hot and hard foods should be avoided
The healing process typically takes 7–10 days.
Impacted teeth can cause serious oral and jaw problems if neglected, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, they can be managed safely and effectively. Regular dental check-ups allow impacted teeth to be detected early and treated before complications arise.
If you experience jaw pain, gum swelling, or unexplained dental discomfort, it is strongly recommended to consult a dentist. Early intervention is always the key to maintaining a healthy smile.
The images used in this content do not belong to a real patient. The visuals are stock photos obtained from online content provider image platforms.
Publication Date: 2.2.2026
Editor: Uğur Aktaş
Contact Number: +90 545 450 71 41
Contact Email: info@snyclinic.com
