An impacted tooth is one that does not break through the gum. Impaction most often occurs with the third molars (wisdom teeth) or other teeth in the back of the mouth; the front and side teeth rarely become impacted.

Impacted teeth may not cause problems. If an impacted tooth does cause problems, such as infection or pain, surgery may be needed to remove it.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry
Last Revised	September 29, 2009