Dental Impaction

Dental impaction happens when a tooth cannot fully emerge through the gum and remains totally or partially retained within the bone or the tissue, a common situation with the wisdom teeth.

Frequent symptoms: It may occur without discomfort or show up with pain, gum inflammation, pressure on the neighboring teeth or difficulty opening the mouth.

Possible consequences: An impacted tooth sometimes favors infections, cavities in nearby teeth or misalignment, so it's worth keeping an eye on it.

Who treats it? The dentist performs the initial assessment and, depending on the case, refers to the maxillofacial surgeon; the orthodontist also takes part when there are implications for the bite. If you notice discomfort or a tooth that does not finish coming in, a professional review will allow the right course to be defined.