Tooth impaction is a pathological situation where a tooth fails to attain its normal functional position. An impacted tooth is a tooth that is completely or partially unerupted.
These teeth generally erupt between the ages of 17 and 21 years.
The impaction rate is higher for third molars when compared with other teeth.
The mandibular third molar impaction is said to be due to the inadequate space between the distal of the second mandibular molar and the anterior border of the ascending ramus of the mandible.
Degrees of impaction:
- Soft tissue impaction
- Partial bony impaction
- Fully bony impaction
Problems associated:
Impacted teeth may remain asymptomatic, may cause Dental caries, Cysts, and tumors associated with the tooth, Periodontitis, Root resorption of the near tooth, Late Crowding in Lower Incisors, functional disorders such as occlusal interference, cheek biting, mastication disorders, trismus, and temporomandibular joint problems. Assessment of impacted tooth is done by physical and radiographic evaluation
Management of Impacted Tooth:
- The treatment plans depend on the presenting complaint and the history of the patient, the physical evaluation, radiographic assessment, the diagnosis, and the prognosis.
- The management includes observation, exposure, transplantation, or removal of the impacted tooth
