What Is an Impacted Tooth? What Are the Symptoms of an Impacted Tooth?

Impacted teeth are teeth that haven’t come into their proper place in the mouth. Instead, they stay trapped inside the jawbone or gums. Most of the time, they cannot be seen from the outside and may not cause any symptoms. This is common with wisdom teeth and usually requires a surgical procedure. Removing an impacted tooth is more complex than a regular tooth extraction and should be done by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. With proper care and nutrition after treatment, complications can be reduced.

What Is an Impacted Tooth?

An impacted tooth is one that hasn’t fully emerged into the mouth and remains stuck in the jawbone or soft tissue. It can be partially or fully impacted. These teeth are usually discovered through an X-ray, as they can’t be seen from the outside.

The most common impacted teeth are wisdom teeth, but canine teeth and premolars can also become impacted. This can happen due to a small jaw, crowded teeth, genetic factors, or developmental problems. While some people have no symptoms, others may feel strong jaw pain, swelling, infection, or even tooth loss.

Types of Impacted Teeth

There are different types of impacted teeth based on how and where the tooth is trapped. This helps the dentist decide on the best treatment.

Common types include:

• Fully impacted tooth

• Partially impacted tooth

• Horizontally impacted tooth

• Vertically impacted tooth

• Angled impacted tooth

Fully Impacted Tooth

The tooth is completely trapped inside the jawbone or gums. It can’t be seen and can only be found through an X-ray. Surgery is needed to remove it.

Partially Impacted Tooth

Part of the tooth is visible in the mouth, while the rest is under the gums or bone. This can cause pain, infection, and bad breath. It’s hard to keep clean and may lead to inflammation.

Horizontally Impacted Tooth

The tooth grows sideways and pushes against nearby teeth. This often happens with wisdom teeth and can cause pain, crowding, or cavities. It usually needs surgical removal.

Vertically Impacted Tooth

The tooth is in a straight position but can’t come out because of space or pressure. If it’s too close to another tooth, it may cause discomfort. If there’s no harm to nearby teeth, removal may not be necessary.

Angled Impacted Tooth

This is one of the most difficult types. The tooth is positioned at an angle or crossed inside the jawbone, making it hard to remove. It usually requires surgery and may damage the jaw or nearby teeth.

Symptoms of an Impacted Tooth

Not all impacted teeth cause symptoms, but when they do, the most common ones are:

• Pain or pressure in the jaw

• Swollen or red gums

• Headaches

• Pain in the temples or ears

• Difficulty chewing

• Bad breath

• Swollen lymph nodes (in rare cases)

Symptoms can vary depending on the position of the tooth and the pressure it causes.

How Is an Impacted Tooth Removed?

Impacted teeth are usually removed through surgery under local anesthesia. After an X-ray shows the location of the tooth, the dentist decides whether a simple or more complex operation is needed. Oral surgeons often handle cases where the tooth is fully or deeply trapped.

Steps include:

• Examination and Imaging
• Local Anesthesia
• Surgical Procedure
• Stitches and Aftercare
  
  

Examination and Imaging

Impacted tooth extraction is performed using either simple or surgical methods, depending on the tooth’s position and the tissue in which it’s embedded. The first step is a detailed clinical examination based on the patient’s complaints. Then, a panoramic X-ray or CT scan is used to determine the exact location and condition of the tooth.

Local Anesthesia

To ensure the patient feels no pain during the procedure, local anesthesia is applied to the area. The oral surgeon completely numbs the region where the tooth is located.

Surgical Procedure

Surgical intervention is typically used for fully impacted, angled, or bone-embedded teeth. If there is an infection, antibiotic treatment is started first. Once the infection is managed, the gum is cut open, and bone tissue is removed if necessary. The tooth is then extracted either whole or in pieces.

Stitches and Aftercare

After the tooth is removed, the area is cleaned and dissolvable stitches are placed. The patient is usually discharged the same day. Mild pain and sensitivity afterward are normal.

What Is the Difference Between a Regular and an Impacted Tooth Extraction?

The main difference is the location of the tooth. Regular extractions are simpler because the tooth is fully visible, while impacted teeth are hidden in the bone or gums and require surgery.

Aftercare and Diet After Impacted Tooth Extraction

Good care and proper eating habits are important for a smooth recovery. The first 24 hours are especially critical. Soft and cold foods are recommended. Avoid hot foods and smoking.

Important tips after extraction:

• Don’t eat or drink anything for the first 3 hours

• Eat soft and cold foods

• Avoid hot food and drinks

• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol

• Stay away from acidic drinks

• Drink plenty of water (no straws)

• Don’t rinse your mouth or spit on the first day

• Brush teeth gently with a soft toothbrush

• Take painkillers and antibiotics as prescribed

Impacted Tooth Extraction Costs in 2025

As of 2025, the cost of impacted tooth removal depends on the tooth’s position, the dentist’s experience, the clinic’s equipment, and its location. Surgical removal of impacted wisdom teeth is more expensive than simple extractions. For exact pricing, you should contact a dental clinic or professional.

FAQ About Impacted Tooth Removal