Impacted Tooth

Unerupted or partially impacted wisdom teeth are common in the teenage years. Often there is not enough room for the tooth to fully erupt. Food debris can become trapped around the partially erupted tooth. The second most commonly impacted tooth is the canine, or cuspid.

An impacted tooth may cause the following symptoms:

• bad breath
• headache
• jaw pain
• mild to moderate fever
• pain and swelling of the area
• soreness when chewing
• stiffness on opening the jaw
• swollen neck glands, called lymph nodes

Impacted teeth are most common during adolescence.

There is no way to prevent a tooth impaction. If the dental care provider determines that there is not enough room in the mouth for the tooth, it may be removed.

Diagnosis of an impacted tooth begins with a medical history and dental exam. Dental X-rays can show the problem area.

An impacted tooth can sometimes cause pressure on the other teeth and a change in the bite. A rare complication is a cyst, or fluid-filled sac, that forms in the tissue around the unerupted tooth.

If the person is having no symptoms, the impacted tooth may be left in place. Usually, however, the dental provider will recommend removing the impacted tooth. The extraction is usually delayed until any infection is controlled. Surgical drainage of a local area of infection may be necessary before the extraction can be scheduled.

Pain medication may be necessary before and after treatment. Antibiotics may be necessary but should only be taken as prescribed by the healthcare professional. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.