Management of Impacted Teeth

Management of Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth is one that fails to erupt into its normal position because it is blocked by other teeth, bone or gum tissue. Upper canines and wisdom teeth are the most commonly impacted, but any tooth can be affected. Left unmanaged, impacted teeth can damage neighbouring roots, cause cysts, or leave unsightly gaps.

Treatment depends on the tooth and its position. In many cases — particularly impacted canines — we can create space orthodontically and gently guide the tooth into its correct place in the arch, often in coordination with a minor surgical exposure. Where a tooth cannot be saved or serves no function, we plan its management so the rest of your bite stays healthy.

What this service includes

•  Radiographic localisation of the impacted tooth
•  Space creation within the arch using braces or aligners
•  Guided (orthodontic) eruption of impacted canines and other teeth
•  Coordination of surgical exposure where required
•  Monitoring of un-erupted teeth in growing children
•  Planning for teeth that cannot be brought into the arch

Who is it for?

Patients whose adult tooth hasn't appeared long after the milk tooth fell out, teens with a retained milk canine, or anyone told on an X-ray that a tooth is stuck or lying at an angle.