An impacted tooth is a tooth that is partially or totally trapped within the gum. This often occurs with wisdom teeth (3^rd molars) as there is not enough space for the tooth to fully erupt.

Your dentist may recommend extraction if you are at significantly greater risk of infection or tooth decay.  Impacted teeth may be removed by your dentist or they may refer you to an oral & maxillofacial surgeon.

An incision (cut) is made in your gum and access to the impacted tooth cleared by pushing aside gum tissue and, if necessary, removing some bone. The tooth is removed whole or in pieces and the gum stitched together over the hole.