Conditions · Impacted teeth
Impacted teeth
An impacted tooth is one that has not fully come in, most often a wisdom tooth. Left alone it can trap bacteria or crowd nearby teeth. Dr. Monzer Shakally explains diagnosis and treatment in the video below.
Common questions
Everything you need to know
Answers from Dr. Shakally on candidacy, the process, timeline, and what to expect.
It is a tooth that has not fully emerged through the gum or bone. It may be partly visible or completely hidden, and wisdom teeth are the most common example.
Often there is simply not enough room in the jaw, which can be genetic. The tooth gets stuck partway or stays fully buried.
The most common is discomfort or pressure in the back of the mouth, often starting around age 17 or 18. Trapped bacteria can also cause swelling or infection.
A partially impacted tooth collects bacteria that are hard to clean, which can lead to decay, gum problems, or infection, and sometimes pressure on the neighboring teeth.
Usually with a panoramic X-ray, the one that travels around your head. It shows the whole jaw, the wisdom teeth, and nearby structures like the sinuses and nerve.
For most younger patients it is straightforward and done while comfortably sedated, with the most noticeable recovery in the first few days. We give you a clear aftercare plan.
Wisdom teeth bothering you?
Come in for a consultation. We will look at your situation honestly and walk you through your options, the timeline, and the cost before you commit to anything.
Worried about cost? Flexible payment plans are available.