IMPACTED TOOTH Meaning and
Definition
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An impacted tooth is a dental condition where a tooth fails to properly erupt or emerge from the gum line, causing it to become blocked or trapped in the jawbone. This primarily occurs when there is insufficient space within the oral cavity for the tooth to grow and find its correct position. The most commonly affected teeth are the third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, but other teeth such as canines and premolars can also become impacted.
When a tooth is impacted, it becomes wedged against adjacent teeth or bone, resulting in a range of symptoms such as pain, swelling, tenderness, and difficulty in opening the mouth. Additionally, impacted teeth can increase the risk of oral infections, decay, and damage to adjacent teeth.
The causes of impacted teeth can vary, including genetic factors, inadequate space due to a small jaw, premature loss of primary teeth, abnormal tooth development, or the misalignment of other teeth. It is important to note that impacted teeth may not always cause noticeable symptoms, and their detection usually requires a dental examination, including X-rays to assess the position and condition of the teeth.
Treatment for impacted teeth typically involves extraction, especially if they cause pain, discomfort, or other dental complications. However, if an impacted tooth is asymptomatic, monitoring its condition may be recommended. Dentists or oral surgeons are typically responsible for diagnosing and managing impacted teeth, providing suitable treatment options based on the specific case and overall dental health of the individual. Regular dental check-ups and X-rays are essential to identify impacted teeth and prevent potential complications.
Common Misspellings for IMPACTED TOOTH
- umpacted tooth
- jmpacted tooth
- kmpacted tooth
- ompacted tooth
- 9mpacted tooth
- 8mpacted tooth
- inpacted tooth
- ikpacted tooth
- ijpacted tooth
- imoacted tooth
- imlacted tooth
- im-acted tooth
- im0acted tooth
- impzcted tooth
- impscted tooth
- impwcted tooth
- impqcted tooth
- impaxted tooth
- impavted tooth
Etymology of IMPACTED TOOTH
The word "impacted" comes from the verb "impact", which has its roots in the Latin word "impactus". "Impactus" is the past participle of the Latin verb "impingere", meaning "to thrust" or "to strike against". The term "impacted tooth" is used to describe a tooth that fails to fully emerge through the gums and remains partially or completely stuck in the jawbone. The word "impacted" is used metaphorically because the tooth is "thrust" or "blocked" from its natural eruption.
Similar spelling word for IMPACTED TOOTH
