Impacted teeth are teeth that do not fully emerge into the mouth due to interference from teeth, gum and bone. This may be to insufficient space or positioning or obstruction. Usually wisdom teeth are affected however, canines and premolars (bicuspids) also suffer from impaction.

Causes of Impaction Teeth:

1. Space - jaw size varies in the population and so do teeth size. Large teeth in a small jaw may not fit or be able to accommodate all the teeth

2. Obstruction - tooth emergence into the mouth may be interupted 

3. Positioning - tooth may develop in the wrong direction or angulation. If a wisdom tooth is in the right direction they can change within 12 month period from vertical normal eruption to horizontal impaction

4. Overcrowding - early loss of teeth, tipping or mal-alignment of teeth can limit or block eruption of teeth

Symptoms:

• Pain aching or tenderness of the gum around the wisdom tooth area

• Swelling or puffiness of gums around the area of the wisdom tooth.

• Trismus - sorness or stiffness with opening jaw or chewing.

• Mouth obour - Bad breath or altered taste.

• Jaw pain.

Complications of Impacted Teeth: 

1. Infection: tooth that has no fully emerged can trap food and plaque, leading to infections like pericoronitis.

2. Cysts or Tumors: Impacted teeth can cause cysts or damage to surrounding bone.

3. Tooth Decay: Impacted teeth are harder to clean, increasing the risk of cavities.

4. Misalignment: They can push adjacent teeth out of position increasing crowding.

5. Gum Disease: Increased risk of periodontal issues.

Diagnosis: 

A dentist, dental surgeon or oral surgeon can assess your teeth to determine whether they are impacted through:

• Examination.

• X-rays or 3D imaging (e.g., panoramic or cone-beam CT scans).

Treatment Options:

A dentist, dental surgeon or oral surgeon may suggest:

1. Watch: dentist may suggest monitor the impacted tooth.

2. Extraction: tooth removal for impacted wisdom teeth or problematic teeth.

3. Orthodontics: impacted teeth can be assisted into better positions.

4. Exposure and Bonding: impacted canines can be crown exposed and a orthodontic bracket attached for assisted eruption into the right location.

Prevention:

• Dental check-ups every 6 to 12 months.

If you suspect an impacted tooth, seek an opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.