Removing an uncut tooth in Torrevieja
Author: Alexander Peterson, Oral Surgeon at AP-Denta Published: May 15, 2026
An unerupted, or impacted, tooth is a tooth that remains fully or partially hidden in the bone tissue of the jaw and has not taken its place in the dental arch. Most often this concerns the wisdom tooth, but other teeth are also susceptible to impaction if there was not enough space for them during bite formation. At AP-Denta in Torrevieja, the decision to remove is made only after a computed tomography scan: it is CT that shows the exact position of the tooth in the bone, the shape of the roots, and the distance to adjacent anatomical structures, which cannot be assessed on a regular X-ray.
What does "unerupted" and "impacted" mean
Unlike a normal tooth that has erupted and is visible in the oral cavity, an impacted tooth may be completely hidden under the gum and bone (complete impaction) or only partially erupted, leaving a narrow channel above it through which bacteria can easily enter (partial impaction). If the tooth also occupies an incorrect position in the bone — growing at an angle or horizontally — this is referred to as dystopia. Both conditions often coexist: a tooth can be both impacted and dystopic.
When an impacted tooth needs to be removed
The most common indication for removal is pericoronitis — inflammation of the tissues around a partially erupted tooth, in which the gum swells and pus may accumulate. Removal is also considered if the impacted tooth presses on the adjacent tooth and gradually destroys or displaces it, if a cyst has formed around it, or if it interferes with planned orthodontic treatment. If the impacted tooth does not cause discomfort and does not threaten adjacent teeth, in some cases it can simply be monitored over time without rushing into surgery.
Diagnostics: why computed tomography is mandatory
Before surgery, a computed tomography scan is mandatory — a regular panoramic X-ray is not sufficient for an impacted tooth because a flat X-ray does not show the true position of the roots relative to nerve endings and adjacent anatomical structures. Based on the CT data, the doctor plans the scope of the intervention in advance: whether the gum needs to be incised, whether bone tissue will need to be partially exposed, and whether the tooth will need to be divided into fragments for extraction.
How the removal of an unerupted tooth is performed
The operation begins with local anesthesia, which typically takes effect within a few minutes. The doctor then makes an incision in the gum and carefully separates the soft tissues to gain access to the tooth in the bone tissue. If the tooth is completely hidden in the bone, the doctor exposes a small area of bone tissue — with modern methods, this is done using an ultrasonic instrument or a laser, which is considered less traumatic compared to the traditional surgical bur.
When the tooth is positioned at an angle or its roots are curved, the tooth is divided into fragments for extraction without damaging adjacent structures and removed piece by piece. After all fragments are removed, the socket is treated with an antiseptic, the soft gum tissues are returned to place, and sutures are applied. The healing of the bone cavity is not a quick process: it takes from several weeks to several months for new bone to form in the socket.
Modern removal methods: comparison
| Criteria | Comparison of methods |
|---|---|
| Principle of operation | Bur: mechanical preparation of bone tissue with a rotating instrument. Ultrasound: destruction of bone tissue through high-frequency vibrations. Laser: tissue treatment with a focused light beam. |
| Trauma to surrounding tissues | Bur: higher, requires high precision from the doctor. Ultrasound: lower due to selective action on hard tissue. Laser: minimal, without direct mechanical contact. |
| When applied at AP-Denta | Bur: for standard access to the tooth. Ultrasound: when working near sensitive structures. Laser: when it is necessary to minimize soft tissue trauma. |
Contraindications to removal
The operation is postponed in cases of acute inflammatory and infectious diseases, blood clotting disorders, taking anticoagulants without consultation with the attending physician, and decompensated diabetes mellitus. In the first and third trimesters of pregnancy, the decision is made individually, in consultation with the physician monitoring the patient.
Recovery after removal
Mild swelling and discomfort when chewing in the socket area immediately after surgery is a normal tissue reaction to surgical intervention, not a complication. In the first days, a gentle diet, careful oral hygiene without disturbing the suture area, and avoiding thermal procedures on the cheek are recommended. If swelling increases, fever appears, or purulent discharge occurs several days after surgery, you should consult a doctor earlier than the scheduled follow-up examination.
Frequently asked questions about removal of unerupted teeth
How is an impacted tooth different from a regular unerupted wisdom tooth?
Impaction is a general condition in which a tooth has not taken its place in the dental arch; it most commonly occurs with wisdom teeth, but can affect other teeth if there was not enough space in the jaw. The wisdom tooth is simply the most common, but not the only, example of an impacted tooth.
Is a CT scan mandatory before removing an impacted tooth?
Yes, a regular panoramic X-ray is not sufficient: only computed tomography shows the exact three-dimensional position of the tooth, the shape of its roots, and the distance to nerve endings and other anatomical structures, which is necessary for safe surgical planning.
Can I avoid removing an impacted tooth if it does not hurt?
If the tooth does not cause inflammation, does not press on adjacent teeth, and does not threaten their destruction, in some cases it can be monitored over time without immediate surgery. The decision is made individually, based on computed tomography data.
What is the difference between removal with a bur, ultrasound, and laser?
All three methods solve the same problem — gaining access to the tooth in the bone tissue — but differ in their principle of action and trauma to surrounding tissues. Ultrasound and laser are considered more gentle compared to the traditional bur, and the method is selected by the doctor depending on the specific clinical case.
How long does it take for the socket to heal after removal of an unerupted tooth?
The soft gum tissues heal within one to two weeks, while complete formation of new bone tissue in the socket takes from several weeks to several months — the exact timeline depends on the scope of the intervention and individual healing characteristics.
Contact Information:
| Torrevieja, Pasaje Pais Vasco, edificio 1 local 4 | |
| +(34) 638 893 141 | |
| +(34) 638 893 141 | |
| apdenta@gmail.com | |
| Working hours: Mon - Fri: from 10:00 to 20:00 |