What is Impaction?

Dental impaction is most commonly caused by insufficient space in the jaw for a tooth to emerge properly, genetics, or crowding of teeth.

Symptoms of impaction may include pain, swelling, redness in the gums, difficulty opening the mouth, or the feeling of pressure in the jaw. Your dentist can confirm the diagnosis through X-rays.

In some cases, mild impaction may not require treatment, but more often, impacted teeth need professional intervention to prevent further complications.

The treatment is typically done under local anesthesia, so you should not experience pain during the procedure. Any discomfort afterward can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Recovery varies depending on the complexity of the impaction and the treatment. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days, though full healing may take a few weeks.

As with any dental procedure, there are risks such as infection, swelling, or nerve damage, but these are rare and can be minimized by following post-treatment care instructions.