Your tooth should have come through by now. But it hasn't. It's trapped — and that means it's impacted.
An impacted tooth is one that fails to erupt properly through the gum. It gets stuck in the jawbone or the surrounding tissue. It might come through at an angle, or it might stay completely hidden beneath the surface.
Which Teeth Get Impacted?
Wisdom teeth are the most common culprits. Most people's jaws don't have enough room for them, so they become trapped before they can emerge. Your dentist will usually spot this on an X-ray during your late teens or early twenties.
But wisdom teeth aren't the only ones. Canine teeth — the sharp ones next to your front teeth — can also become impacted. This is less common but more concerning, because canines play a key role in your bite.
What Causes a Tooth to Become Impacted?
The main reason is lack of space. If there's not enough room in your jaw, the tooth simply can't come through properly. It might tilt, rotate, or stay completely buried.
Sometimes a primary (baby) tooth doesn't fall out properly, blocking the adult tooth underneath. Genetics also play a role — impacted teeth often run in families.
How Do You Know If You Have One?
You might not know at first. Many impacted teeth cause no pain and are only discovered on a routine X-ray. But some people experience symptoms.
These can include tender or swollen gums at the back of your mouth, jaw pain or stiffness, bad breath that won't go away, or difficulty opening your mouth fully. If any of these sound familiar, book an appointment.
Can It Cause Damage?
Yes — if left untreated, an impacted tooth can lead to problems. It might push into the neighbouring tooth, causing damage to the root. It can also create pockets where bacteria build up, increasing the risk of infection or decay.
In rare cases, fluid-filled cysts can form around an impacted tooth, damaging the jawbone and surrounding teeth. This is why dentists take impacted teeth seriously and monitor them closely.
What Are Your Options?
Your dentist will assess the impacted tooth using an X-ray or 3D scan. If it's not causing problems, they may simply monitor it over time.
If treatment is needed, the usual solution is removal. Impacted wisdom teeth are commonly extracted. Canine teeth may be brought into position using orthodontic treatment, or removed if that's not possible.
Get It Checked
Don't wait for pain to be your prompt. If you're in your late teens or early twenties, ask your dentist to check your wisdom teeth at your next visit. Early assessment makes treatment simpler.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice