When a tooth cannot fully emerge through the gum tissue, it becomes impacted — trapped beneath the surface where it can cause pain, infection, and damage to surrounding structures. While wisdom teeth are the most commonly impacted, any tooth can fail to erupt properly, including canines, premolars, and even front teeth. Left untreated, impacted teeth create ongoing problems that worsen over time. Surgical removal or exposure eliminates the source of discomfort and protects the health of neighboring teeth.
Oral Surgery Expertise for Impacted Teeth
Dr. Jay Patel brings specialized surgical training to impacted tooth cases at Marietta Dental Professionals. His four-year oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at Womack Army Medical Center included hundreds of impaction cases — from straightforward wisdom tooth removals to complex canine exposures requiring coordination with orthodontic treatment. Board certified through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Dr. Patel understands that no two impactions are alike. “The position, angle, and depth of an impacted tooth determine the surgical approach,” says Dr. Patel. “Careful imaging and treatment planning allow me to remove or expose the tooth with minimal impact on surrounding structures.”
Understanding Tooth Impaction
Teeth develop within the jawbone and gradually move toward the surface, eventually breaking through the gum tissue to take their place in the dental arch. Impaction occurs when something blocks this natural eruption path — whether lack of space, abnormal tooth positioning, or physical obstruction from other teeth, bone, or soft tissue. Fully impacted teeth remain completely buried beneath the gum line. Partially impacted teeth break through partially, leaving an opening where bacteria accumulate. Both situations create risks including infection, cyst formation, decay in adjacent teeth, and disruption of proper bite alignment.
Types of Impacted Teeth
Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Third molars are the most frequently impacted teeth, affecting approximately 90% of the population. Limited space at the back of the jaw causes these teeth to grow sideways, remain buried, or only partially emerge.
Impacted Canines: The upper canines (eyeteeth) are the second most commonly impacted teeth. Because canines play a critical role in bite function and smile aesthetics, treatment often involves surgical exposure followed by orthodontic guidance into proper position rather than extraction.
Impacted Premolars and Other Teeth: Any permanent tooth can become impacted due to crowding, early loss of baby teeth, abnormal growths, or genetic factors affecting tooth development. These cases require individualized treatment based on the tooth’s importance and position.
Signs of an Impacted Tooth
Some impacted teeth cause no symptoms and are discovered only through routine dental X-rays. Others produce unmistakable warning signs that prompt patients to seek care. Common indicators include persistent pain or pressure near the back of the jaw, swelling or tenderness in the gum tissue, difficulty opening the mouth fully, and an unpleasant taste from infection around a partially erupted tooth. Patients may notice crowding or shifting of adjacent teeth as the impacted tooth pushes against them. Recurring headaches, jaw stiffness, and swollen lymph nodes can also signal impaction-related complications.
Treatment Options for Impacted Teeth
Treatment depends on which tooth is impacted, its position, and whether preserving it serves the patient’s long-term oral health.
Surgical Extraction: When an impacted tooth cannot be saved or serves no functional purpose — as with most wisdom teeth — surgical removal eliminates the problem permanently. Dr. Patel carefully removes overlying bone and tissue, extracts the tooth (sometimes in sections), and closes the site with sutures.
Surgical Exposure and Orthodontic Bracketing: For impacted canines and other teeth worth preserving, a combined surgical-orthodontic approach brings the tooth into alignment. Dr. Patel exposes the buried tooth and attaches a small bracket with a chain. Over subsequent months, the orthodontist uses this chain to gradually guide the tooth into its proper position in the dental arch.
Monitoring: In rare cases where an impacted tooth causes no symptoms and poses minimal risk, careful observation with periodic imaging may be appropriate — though most impactions eventually require intervention.
What to Expect During Impacted Tooth Surgery
The procedure begins with 3D imaging to map the exact position of the impacted tooth and its relationship to nerves, sinuses, and adjacent teeth. Local anesthesia ensures complete comfort, and IV sedation is available for patients who prefer a sleep-like experience. Dr. Patel creates an incision in the gum tissue, removes any bone covering the tooth, and either extracts the tooth or exposes it for orthodontic treatment. The surgical site is cleaned and closed with sutures. Most patients return home the same day with prescriptions for pain management and antibiotics if needed. Initial recovery takes about one week, with gradual improvement over the following days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Impacted Teeth
Many impacted teeth are discovered during routine dental X-rays before symptoms develop. If you experience jaw pain, swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, or notice a tooth that never emerged, schedule an evaluation to determine whether impaction is the cause.
Not always. Impacted canines are often exposed and guided into position orthodontically. Wisdom teeth, however, rarely have functional value and are typically extracted. Dr. Patel recommends the most appropriate treatment based on each tooth’s position and potential impact on oral health.
Anesthesia and sedation ensure you feel nothing during the procedure. Post-operative discomfort is normal but manageable with prescribed medication, ice packs, and rest. Most patients find recovery easier than anticipated.
Complications can include chronic infection, cyst or tumor formation, damage to adjacent teeth, gum disease, and worsening pain. Early treatment prevents these issues from developing or progressing.
Most patients return to normal activities within three to five days. Complete healing of the surgical site takes one to two weeks, with bone and tissue fully maturing over several months.
Many dental and medical insurance plans cover impacted tooth extraction, particularly when medically necessary. Our team verifies your benefits and provides transparent cost estimates before treatment.
Specialized Impacted Tooth Care in Marietta
Patients throughout Marietta and East Cobb benefit from having a board-certified oral surgeon available for impacted tooth treatment at their neighborhood dental practice. Dr. Patel’s residency training prepared him for impactions of all types and complexities — from routine wisdom tooth removals to intricate canine exposures requiring orthodontic collaboration. Advanced 3D imaging enables precise surgical planning, while multiple sedation options ensure patient comfort regardless of anxiety level. The team at Marietta Dental Professionals coordinates every aspect of care, from initial diagnosis through complete recovery.
If you suspect an impacted tooth or have been told you need one removed, schedule a consultation at Marietta Dental Professionals. Call (770) 514-5055 or request an appointment online to take the first step toward relief.