### What is an Impacted Tooth? An impacted tooth is a tooth that has been blocked from breaking through the gum. This can happen for various reasons, including lack of space in the mouth, genetics, or orthodontic treatment. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the most commonly impacted teeth because they are the last to grow in, usually between the ages of 17 to 21. The second most common teeth to be impacted are the maxillary canines, or upper eyeteeth. ### Symptoms Impacted teeth often cause no symptoms and are discovered during routine dental X-rays. However, some people may experience pain, swelling, or infection. Symptoms can come and go over weeks or months. ### Treatment Options 1. **Wait-and-See Approach**: If the impacted tooth isn't causing symptoms, your dentist may suggest monitoring it regularly. 2. **Extraction Surgery**: If the tooth causes pain or other issues, it may need to be surgically removed. This is usually an outpatient procedure done under local anesthesia, and recovery takes about 7 to 10 days. 3. **Eruption Aids**: For impacted canines, braces or other orthodontic devices may be used to help the tooth erupt properly. If this fails, the tooth may need to be removed and replaced with a dental implant or bridge. ### Pain Relief For temporary pain relief, over-the-counter medications like aspirin can be effective, but should not be given to children under 18. Ice packs and warm salt water rinses can also help. For severe pain, consult your dentist for prescription pain relievers. ### Conclusion Regular dental checkups can help identify impacted teeth early, allowing for timely treatment to prevent complications like infection or damage to other teeth.