Different Types of Impactions

An impaction is when a tooth is unable to erupt into the mouth because the tooth is blocked by another tooth or by bone or gum tissue.

Bony Impaction — part or all of the tooth is covered by bone

Tissue Impaction — biting surface of the tooth is covered by soft tissue (gums)

Extraction of Impacted Tooth

Impacted third molar

After the molar is extracted, the site is sutured closed.

Over time, new bone will grow in and fill the site.