Impactions

An impacted tooth is one that does not take its position in the dental arch at the correct time. Tooth impactions are usually associated with third molar teeth, more commonly known as the wisdom teeth. The reasons for a tooth getting impacted are:

• The bone above the tooth is very thick
• An adjacent tooth is blocking its path
• If there is too much of soft tissue overlying the tooth
• If there is insufficient space in the dental arch to erupt

An impacted tooth can be removed by a general dentist or if required by an Oral Surgeon. First of all an X-Ray is taken to ascertain the level of difficulty to remove the tooth. Then your teeth will be numbed with local anaesthesia. The soft tissue surrounding the tooth is incised and the bone surrounding the tooth is exposed. The bone is then removed with a bur and the tooth is extracted. Unlike other teeth, impacted teeth may take longer time to be extracted. After all the excess tissues and debris are removed the gums are then stitched up. Swelling and slight pain may be present following an impaction but you will be given antibiotics and pain killers to keep you comfortable.