Impaction Health Dictionary

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Impaction: From 1 Different Sources

A term applied to a condition in which two things are ?rmly lodged together. For example, when one piece of bone is driven within another following a fracture, this is known as an impacted fracture; when a tooth is ?rmly lodged in its socket so that its eruption is prevented, this is known as dental impaction. Intractable constipation is termed faecal impaction.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary

Faecal Impaction

A condition in which a large mass of hard faeces cannot be evacuated from the rectum. It is usually associated with long-standing constipation. Faecal impaction is most common in very young children and in the elderly, especially those who are bedridden.

The main symptoms are an intense desire to pass a bowel movement; pain in the rectum, anus, and centre of the abdomen; and, in some cases, watery faeces that are passed around the mass. Treatment is with enemas or by manual removal of the faecal mass.... faecal impaction

Impaction, Dental

Failure of a tooth to emerge completely from the gum. It may occur because of overcrowding or when a tooth grows in the wrong direction.

Impacted wisdom teeth are common, and, if symptomless, may not need to be removed.

In some cases, however, symptoms necessitate their removal.... impaction, dental


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