Can an impacted tooth come in years later? i've had an impacted wisdom tooth for about 3 years. my dentist said to just leave it alone, since it wasn't causing problems. now the spot is sore. it feels kind of like my other wisdom teeth did when they were

It : It most likely is working its way to the surface and you are feeling the pressure. Also, you may be pinching the gum over that tooth if the tooth opposing it has overerupted. An exam by your dentist will let you know for sure and will give you your options.

Yes: Impacted 3rd molars very often work their way into the mouth, and many just stay put. Without a special image called a panoramic or panorex, the dentist has no way of assessing the condition of the roots. Many times there exist pathologies adjacent to and because of these teeth, with no symptoms at all. Waiting until you feel pain is too late in my opinion, and would be supervised neglect.

You bet: Impacted means stuck - but sometimes, in rare situations, they find a way to erupt. "teething pain" from the eruption of that tooth is what you're feeling if it actually is coming in. Probably best to have the dentist take a look.

Yes: An impacted wisdom tooth does not always follow any certain schedule when it decides it wants to try to erupt into the mouth or cause problems. If the area is sore, you should have an evaluation by a surgeon to determine if it is indicated for removal or if you should leave it

Yes, but...: Especially if other teeth have moved to allow room. Impacted means that something was blocking eruption. Now that tooth is coming in you may have soreness from eruption (think teething) or from irritated gum tissue around the tooth. Now that you are having a problem please go back to see your dentist for resolution or referral.

Of course: They usually appear between the ages of 16 and 25. However, sometimes they appear many years later. If you are experiencing pain and it does not go away or if you find it difficult to open your mouth, you should see a dentist for x-ray and wisdom teeth removal.