Year 12s: what will be the first way you research your future options? >>

Impacted Teeth

lonita

(edited 8 years ago)

Reply 1

Neuth

Original post by lonita

What are you asking? :redface:

Reply 2

Kartace

Well i'll assume you're talking about impacted wisdom teeth... This is when the 3rd molars (wisdom teeth) are unable to erupt into their normal position in the mouth because they are being impeded by lack of space or the direction in which they are erupting.

http://thedentalcentrelondon.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/impacted-wisdom-teeth.jpg

That graphic explaines the different types of impaction. Generally speaking, impacted wisdom teeth do not need to be extracted unless they are causing pain or damage to surrounding dental structures. Extraction of impacted 3rd molars is often difficult and can require a surgical approaching in which a gum flap is raised and bone removed in order to allow the tooth to be removed.

NB: Any tooth can become impacted, the other common example is canines (usually uppers). But this tends to present as a problem for children around the age of 10-13.
Hope that helps a bit.
Ryan.

(edited 8 years ago)