Understanding what an impacted tooth is can help you make an informed, confident decision about your dental health and comfort.
If you’ve ever been told that you have an “impacted tooth,” you might feel uncertain about what that means or whether it’s something that needs to be treated right away.
At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we often see patients who have delayed dental care because of fear, anxiety, or confusion about the term “impacted.”
What Does “Impacted Tooth” Mean?
An impacted tooth does not fully emerge through the gums. This can happen because the tooth is blocked by bone, another tooth, or gum tissue. Impacted teeth are most common with wisdom teeth, but they can also affect canines or other adult teeth.
There are several types of impaction:
- Soft tissue impaction: The tooth has partially erupted through the gum, but not enough to be cleaned properly.
- Partial bony impaction: The tooth is partially covered by bone, making it difficult to erupt fully.
- Complete bony impaction: The tooth is completely trapped beneath the bone or gum line.
Why Impacted Teeth Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Even if you’re not feeling pain right now, leaving an impacted tooth untreated can lead to problems such as:
- Infection and swelling – Bacteria can accumulate around partially erupted teeth, leading to gum infections.
- Damage to neighboring teeth – Pressure from an impacted tooth may push against other teeth, leading to crowding or misalignment.
- Cysts or jaw issues – Impacted teeth can sometimes form cysts that damage the surrounding bone structure.
- Chronic discomfort or headaches – Ongoing inflammation or pressure can cause persistent discomfort.
Prompt care can help prevent these complications and protect your overall oral health.
Sedation Dentistry for Impacted Tooth Removal
For many patients, the idea of oral surgery or tooth extraction can cause significant anxiety. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we understand that concern—and that’s why we provide sedation and general anesthesia options designed to make treatment comfortable and stress-free.
Our doctors are experienced in providing care for patients who:
- Have dental anxiety or phobia
- Have special needs and require a calm, controlled environment
- Need multiple extractions or complex oral surgery
- Have had difficulty tolerating dental procedures in the past
Depending on your needs, you may be able to sleep comfortably through your procedure under professional supervision.
Safe and Comfortable Care in St. Louis
Our goal is to help you receive the care you need—safely, comfortably, and without fear. Whether your impacted tooth requires monitoring or removal, our team can help you understand your options and find a plan that fits your comfort level.
If you’ve been putting off care because of fear or anxiety, you’re not alone. We’ve helped many patients in the St. Louis area get through complex procedures with comfort and confidence.
Contact The Dental Anesthesia Center Today
If you need a dentist specializing in comfortable, sedation-based care, contact The Dental Anesthesia Center for expert, compassionate support.