Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth becomes trapped within gum tissue or bone due to several factors. One common reason is overcrowding, where there isn’t enough space for the teeth to erupt normally. For instance, wisdom teeth might not fit properly in a small jaw. Additionally, teeth can become misaligned, twisted, tilted, or displaced during their eruption process, leading to the development of impacted teeth.

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Neglecting impacted teeth can result in various complications, including but not limited to jaw discomfort, headaches, gum inflammation, periodontal problems, tooth decay, infections leading to abscesses, and the formation of dental cysts.

If you experience localized pain, swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, or persistent bad breath, it's crucial to consult a dentist promptly as these could be signs of impacted teeth needing attention.
Dr. Kim

Indications of impacted teeth include:

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You may experience localized pain or discomfort in the area where the tooth is impacted.

Swelling and tenderness in the gum tissue around the impacted tooth can occur.

Impacted wisdom teeth, in particular, can lead to difficulty in fully opening your mouth.

Infection or inflammation around impacted teeth can result in persistent bad breath.

Jaw pain or tension caused by impacted teeth can sometimes lead to headaches.

Gums around impacted teeth may bleed or be sensitive when you brush or floss.

In some cases, you can visually see or feel the swollen gum tissue where the tooth is impacted.

An unpleasant taste in the mouth can be a symptom if there is infection or pus around an impacted tooth

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What causes an impacted tooth?

An impacted tooth occurs when there isn’t enough space in the mouth for the tooth to erupt properly or when it grows in an abnormal direction.

Common causes include overcrowding, misalignment, a small jaw, or the tooth’s angle of eruption.

Wisdom teeth, in particular, are prone to impaction due to limited space at the back of the mouth.

How are they treated?

Impacted teeth are typically treated by extracting them through a surgical procedure performed by a dentist or oral surgeon.

Diagnosis

Dentists are skilled in identifying impacted teeth, where a tooth doesn't fully emerge or align properly with neighboring teeth. They use various imaging techniques like X-rays and dental scans to assess the position, orientation, and potential issues related to impacted teeth.

Treatment Planning

Based on the diagnosis, dentists create personalized treatment plans. This may include monitoring the impacted tooth's progress or more active measures like extraction.

Surgical Extraction

When impacted teeth lead to pain, infection, damage, or orthodontic problems, dentists perform surgical extractions. This involves making an incision in the gum tissue to access the impacted tooth and gently removing it. Anesthesia ensures patient comfort during the procedure.

Impacted Canine Exposure

Dentists also handle cases of impacted canine teeth. When a canine fails to erupt naturally, they can surgically expose the tooth, attaching an orthodontic bracket or chain for proper guidance into position during orthodontic treatment.

Reconstructive Procedures

In rare cases, impacted teeth may lead to complications like cysts or structural damage. Dentists can perform reconstructive procedures to repair and restore any damage caused by impacted teeth.

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Understanding the Dental Risk of Impacted Teeth

Fully impacted teeth, as they never emerge through the gums, are inaccessible for cleaning or proper care. Conversely, if your tooth or teeth are partially impacted, maintaining thorough cleanliness becomes challenging, elevating the likelihood of dental issues, such as:

Click here to read more about tooth cavities.

Click here to read more about tooth decay.

Click here to read more about tooth infections.

Click here to read more about tooth crowding.

Click here to learn more about cysts and how it could damage the roots of nearby teeth or even destroy the bone.

  1. Pressure on Adjacent Teeth: Impacted teeth often exert pressure on nearby teeth as they attempt to erupt. This pressure can cause adjacent teeth to shift or become misaligned over time.

  2. Resorption of Bone: The pressure from impacted teeth can also result in the resorption or loss of bone in the surrounding area. This occurs as the body attempts to accommodate the impacted tooth’s movement or position.

  3. Infections and Gum Disease: Impacted teeth can create pockets or spaces in the gum tissue where bacteria can accumulate. This can lead to infections and gum disease, which, if left untreated, can cause bone loss in the jaw.

  4. Cysts and Tumors: In some cases, impacted teeth can lead to the formation of dental cysts or tumors, which can cause damage to nearby bone structures if not addressed promptly.

  5. Pain and Discomfort: Impacted teeth can cause pain and discomfort in the affected area, making it difficult to chew and maintain oral hygiene. This discomfort can further affect adjacent teeth and the surrounding bone.

  6. Risk to Orthodontic Treatment: If impacted teeth are not managed appropriately, they can interfere with ongoing orthodontic treatment by affecting the alignment of adjacent teeth.

Click here to read more about tooth gum disease.

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