Impacted Tooth

Alternate Names : Unerupted Tooth, Partially Erupted Tooth

An impacted tooth is a tooth that has not fully erupted into the oral cavity. The tooth is still imbedded in the jawbone, under the gum tissue.

What is going on in the body?

Unerupted or partially impacted wisdom teeth are common in the teenage years. Often there is not enough room for the tooth to fully erupt. Food debris can become trapped around the partially erupted tooth. The second most commonly impacted tooth is the canine, or cuspid.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Impacted teeth are most common during adolescence.