Which term identifies a tooth that has not yet broken through the gingival surface?

Which term identifies a tooth that has not yet broken through the gingival surface?

• A. Erupted
• B. Impacted
• C. Retained
• D. Unerupted

Answer: (D)

Unerupted describes a tooth that has not yet broken through the gingival surface. In eruption, teeth form in the jawbone and move toward the mouth; until they emerge through the gum, they are considered unerupted. Erupted would mean the tooth has already emerged into the oral cavity. Impacted refers to an eruption blocked by bone or soft tissue, a specific situation within the broader idea of not erupting. Retained is about a tooth that remains in place after its expected time to erupt (or a primary tooth that should have shed), rather than simply not having broken through the gingiva yet. So the direct term for a tooth not yet erupting through the gum is unerupted.

Unerupted describes a tooth that has not yet broken through the gingival surface. In eruption, teeth form in the jawbone and move toward the mouth; until they emerge through the gum, they are considered unerupted. Erupted would mean the tooth has already emerged into the oral cavity. Impacted refers to an eruption blocked by bone or soft tissue, a specific situation within the broader idea of not erupting. Retained is about a tooth that remains in place after its expected time to erupt (or a primary tooth that should have shed), rather than simply not having broken through the gingiva yet. So the direct term for a tooth not yet erupting through the gum is unerupted.