Which term is used for a tooth that has not penetrated the oral cavity?

Which term is used for a tooth that has not penetrated the oral cavity?

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

Answer: (A)

When a tooth hasn’t emerged into the mouth yet, the term used is unerupted. This describes a tooth that is still developing in the jaw beneath the gums and has not broken through to the oral cavity. Erupted means the tooth has already come into the mouth. Impacted refers to a tooth that is prevented from erupting by obstruction, such as bone or another tooth. Retained describes a tooth that should have erupted but remains in the jaw past the normal eruption time, or a deciduous tooth that remains in place. So, for a tooth that has not penetrated the oral cavity, unerupted is the correct term.

When a tooth hasn’t emerged into the mouth yet, the term used is unerupted. This describes a tooth that is still developing in the jaw beneath the gums and has not broken through to the oral cavity. Erupted means the tooth has already come into the mouth. Impacted refers to a tooth that is prevented from erupting by obstruction, such as bone or another tooth. Retained describes a tooth that should have erupted but remains in the jaw past the normal eruption time, or a deciduous tooth that remains in place. So, for a tooth that has not penetrated the oral cavity, unerupted is the correct term.