Unerupted Tooth

An unerupted tooth is a tooth which is fully formed but has not pushed upwards or downwards through the gum line; unerupted teeth are therefore not visible in the mouth but can often be seen as swollen lumps in the gums.

Effects of Unerupted Teeth

An unerupted tooth can seriously damage the surrounding teeth, gum and jaw areas. An unerupted tooth can also result in the development of cysts and tumours, which, left untreated, can impact seriously on the jaw bone. Unerupted teeth often cause considerable pain, as well as redness and swelling

Treating Unerupted Teeth

Unerupted teeth are often extracted to prevent the formation of cysts and tumours and damage to the surrounding gums and jaw area; if the tooth is only partially impacted, it may be possible for the dentist to treat it under local anaesthetic. If extraction is required, this procedure is often performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon under general anaesthetic. General anaesthetic will cause the patient to be drowsy and confused for a period of time following the procedure; they may also fell nauseous and have a sore throat. In some cases an extraction may need to be postponed; this happens when the infection has spread into the bone; if this is the case, antibiotics must be taken to fight the bacterial infection prior to the extraction procedure. Extractions may also not be recommended if the patient suffers from heart conditions or has undergone major surgery in the six month period prior to the procedure; those who regularly take aspirin may also have to wait to have an extraction as this causes the blood to thin which can be dangerous during a surgical procedure.

Causes of Unerupted Teeth

The most common teeth to be extracted due to the failure to erupt are the wisdom teeth (third permanent molars); often there is not enough space in the mouth for these teeth to develop and grow fully. People who suffer from under-development of the jaw or who have a particularly small mouth are also prone to suffering with unerupted teeth. Decay can also prevent teeth from erupting. It is important to maintain a good standard of oral hygiene in order to prevent tooth decay; in addition to frequent brushing and flossing, regular visits to the dentist are also beneficial for good oral health. Dentists are able to identify potential unerupted teeth by means of carrying out an x-ray on the mouth; if a problematic tooth is spotted it can be treated before it causes any pain.