An impacted tooth is a tooth that fails to erupt in the oral caity. These teeth are reatained throughout an individuals lifetime unless extracted or exposed surgically. The tooth remains impacted either due to mismatch between the size of the jawbone and size of the teeth leaving no space for the tooth to erupt or due to physical barriers like gums, bone and adjacent teeth. Third molars also known as wisdom teeth are the most common ‘candidates’ for such treatment. Othe rteeth may also require such treatment. The treatment is painless as it is performed under local anaesthesia.

Most commonly the individual complains of food getting dislodged beneath the gums and a soreness that is usually confused with throat infections. In slightly milder forms a swelling is present and mouth opening becomes restricted in severe cases. Pain is invariably present. All impacted teeth unless otherise contraindicated are considered for surgical removal.