05/08/2022
Third molar impactions is one of the commonest minor oral surgical procedures in the realm of the oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
The term impaction comes from the term “impactus,”Its general usage refers to the failure of an organ or structure in achieving its normal position because of an abnormal mechanical condition.
•An unerupted tooth is the one lying within the jaws, entirely covered by soft tissue, and partially or completely covered by bone.
•A partially erupted tooth is one that has failed to erupt fully into a normal position. The term implies that the tooth is partly visible
•An impacted tooth is a tooth which is prevented from completely erupting into a normal functional position. The reason may be due to lack of space, obstruction by another tooth, or an abnormal eruption path.
👉Management Techniques for the Impacted Tooth
Although the standard management strategy is usually considered to be surgical removal of the impacted tooth, the following methods listed below also should be considered depending upon the case:
☝️Conservative method—Leaving the tooth alone with regular follow-up clinically and radiographically. For instance, a deeply asymptomatic third molar may be left as such especially in an older age group patient.
✌️Operculectomy—This procedure can be considered in a mandibular third molar that has partially erupted, and has sufficient space to come into occlusion, but is prevented from doing so by thick overlying mucoperiosteum. If the tooth still fails to erupt fully, it has to be considered for removal.
🤟Orthodontically guided eruption—This is usually suited to impacted maxillary and mandibular canine teeth. Orthodontic guidance enables the tooth to reach a functional position within the arch. This technique can also be applied to impacted premolars and, in some instances, even impacted mandibular molars.
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