Embedded teeth are unerupted teeth due to a lack of eruptive forces, while impacted teeth are prevented from erupting by a physical barrier. Common causes include lack of space, tooth rotation, and systemic diseases. Third molars are most frequently affected, and complications can arise like dentigerous cysts, periodontal infections near impacted teeth, and resorption of adjacent tooth roots. Surgical exposure or removal may be required to address problems caused by impacted teeth, with potential short-term complications including sensory loss, trismus, and infection.

1. Embedded and impacted teeth

2. General information
Embedded teeth are those which are
unerupted, unusually because of lack
of eruptive forces
Impacted teeth are those prevented
from erupting by some physical
barrier in eruption path

3. Aetiology
Lack of space
rotation
systemic disease like osteoporosis, ectodermal dysplasia,
rickets and cretinism
cyst and tumours
trauma

4. Clinical features
Most commonly third molars are affected
Dentigerous cyst may be associated
Periodontal pocket formation and subsequent infections may
occur
Impacted tooth may cause resorption of roots of adjacent
teeth
Cyst and tumours may form

5. Management
Surgical exposure – it depends upon the tooth involved.
Surgical removal – it is done when impacted tooth is
causing problems to the patient
Complication – it includes transient and permanent
sensory loss, trismus, infection, fracture an injury to
adjacent tooth