An impacted (un-erupted) tooth is a tooth that fails to fully pass through the gum tissues because something prevents its normal eruption into the mouth, such as dense soft tissue, bone, tooth malposition, cysts, or another tooth. If a tooth fails to emerge, or emerges only partially, it is considered to be impacted. Patients frequently develop problems associated with impacted wisdom teeth, which are the most common form of impacted teeth that need removal. (See “Wisdom Teeth” under Procedures).
The second most common teeth to become impacted are the maxillary cuspids (otherwise known as canines and/or eye teeth).
These teeth are the last of the “front teeth” to erupt and normally come into position around the age of 13. If an upper cuspid becomes impacted, every effort is made to help it to erupt into position because these teeth play a crucial role in the dental arch. They are designed to be the first teeth to touch when your jaws are closed together and help guide your remaining teeth into the proper occlusion (bite). They are the foundation of an esthetic smile and functional occlusion. Other commonly impacted teeth include the second molars, bicuspids, and the lower jaw cuspids.
Early detection of impacted teeth, other than wisdom teeth, is the key to successful treatment and may greatly reduce treatment time and complexity later on. In most cases your general dentist will identify the need for an orthodontic consultation during routine clinical and radiographic examinations around the age of 7 years old. They will refer you to an orthodontist for a consultation if a problem is identified such as:
Once the need for orthodontic treatment is identified, braces and initial orthodontic treatment is begun to allow for proper eruption of the adult teeth. At this point, your orthodontist may refer you to our office for the extraction of primary (baby) or permanent (adult) teeth, supernumerary teeth (extra teeth) or growths that block the eruption of the impacted teeth.
Upon your initial visit to our office, you will be evaluated by our doctors on an individual basis and special radiographs will be taken to determine the position of the impacted tooth to the adjacent teeth. Occasionally, Cone Beam Volume Scan will be taken if the doctor feels it is necessary to further assess the position and overall stage of the dental development of the tooth before a definitive treatment plan can be finalized.
Treatment of an un-erupted tooth will consist of one or more of the following:
You have several anesthetic options when undergoing surgical exposure of impacted teeth surgery.
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Practicing the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery with expertise ranging from dental implant surgery and wisdom teeth removal to corrective & reconstructive jaw surgery. Fairfax Oral Surgery proudly serves Alexandria, Fairfax, Centreville, Burke, Reston, Woodbridge and the Counties of Fairfax, Prince William and Loudoun, as well as the City of Alexandria and the rest of the Northern Virginia Area.