Abstract
An impacted tooth is one that has not erupted or is unlikely to erupt into its functional position within the dental arch1, and which has remained embedded in the jawbone or mucosa for more than 2 years following its physiological eruption time2 . It may be visible, not visible but palpable, or neither visible nor palpable but evident on a radiograph.1,3 Third molars are the most commonly impacted teeth followed by maxillary canines, with reported variations in prevalence amongst different population groups2,4. In 2000 The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) issued guidelines stating that third molars should only be removed if there is evidence of pathology, and advocated that the practice of prophylactic removal be discontinued.1
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