Short Description
A tooth that remains beneath the gumline and does not emerge into its proper position, often requiring monitoring or extraction.
Long Description
An unerupted tooth is a tooth that has not emerged through the gumline as expected. This condition commonly occurs with wisdom teeth or permanent teeth that are blocked by other teeth, bone, or gum tissue.
Unerupted teeth can be impacted (completely trapped under the gums or bone) or partially erupted, which may increase the risk of infection, gum inflammation, or misalignment of surrounding teeth. The cause may be genetic, overcrowding, or developmental abnormalities.
Dentists monitor unerupted teeth with X-rays and may recommend intervention if they cause pain, infection, or bite problems. Treatment options include orthodontic guidance to help the tooth erupt naturally or surgical extraction if the tooth is unlikely to emerge properly.