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Nathan T Cary, DDS

CANANDAIGUA ORAL SURGERY, PC

500 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424,  585.394.3322

Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth is a tooth that fails to erupt fully. The impacted tooth may be partially or completely under the surface of the jaw. Impaction is typically the result of insufficient space for the tooth to erupt, or results from poor angulation of the affected tooth. There are some genetic conditions that result in tendency towards impacted teeth or failure to erupt. Some impacted teeth have failed to erupt for no apparent reason.


Wisdom teeth (third molars, 18-year molars) are the most commonly impacted tooth. Maxillary (upper jaw) cuspids (eye teeth) are second in frequency to impaction of third molars. Impaction of upper cuspids happens most of the time involving just one side of the mouth, but can happen on both sides. The maxillary cuspids may be located on either lip or roof of mouth side of the jaw. Impacted upper or lower bicuspids and second molars are less frequently seen, and first molars and lower cuspids rarely become impacted.
 

Treatment options considered in management of impacted teeth include:

     A.  Extraction
     B.  Expose and bond attachments for orthodontics assisted eruption and relocation
     C.  Long-term clinical and x-ray monitoring
 

You will need to be carefully evaluated to determine the best course of action for your situation. Standard dental x-rays, panoramic dental x-rays, and sometimes 3-D (Cone Beam Computed Tomography-CBCT) is required along with clinical examination. All treatment options being considered will be discussed so that the patient or family can make an informed decision regarding care.

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