When a tooth does not fully erupt into the mouth and remains either partially or completely hidden in the jaw bone or below the surface of the gum tissue, it is referred to as being “impacted.” Wisdom teeth are the most common teeth for which
When a tooth does not fully erupt into the mouth and remains either partially or completely hidden in the jaw bone or below the surface of the gum tissue, it is referred to as being “impacted.” Wisdom teeth are the most common teeth for which this happens. In the case of wisdom teeth that are impacted, they are usually extracted as leaving them in the jaw can lead to painful infections and other significant problems (see “Wisdom teeth” under Procedures).
The second most commonly impacted tooth is the maxillary canine (commonly referred to as the “eye” tooth). Canine teeth are critical teeth in the dental arch and play an important role in your “bite”. Canines are very strong biting teeth which have the longest roots of any tooth. They are often the first teeth that touch when your jaws close together so they can guide the rest of the teeth into the proper bite.
Normally, the maxillary canine teeth are the last of the front teeth to erupt into place. They usually come into place around age 13 and cause any space left between the upper front teeth to close tightly together. However, due to its very important role, if a canine tooth gets impacted every effort is made to get it to erupt into its proper position in the dental arch. The techniques involved to aid eruption can be applied to any impacted tooth in the upper or lower jaw but, most commonly, they are applied to the maxillary canine teeth. 60% of these impacted canine teeth are located on the palatal (roof of the mouth) side of the jaw. The remaining impacted eye teeth are found in the middle of the supporting bone but stuck in an elevated position above the roots of the adjacent teeth or facing out to the cheek/lip side of the dental arch.
When canine teeth are impacted and not aligned properly within the dental arch, an orthodontist will work closely with an oral surgeon to help get these teeth to erupt. Each case must be evaluated on an individual basis but treatment will usually involve a combined effort between the 