Key Takeaways
- An impacted tooth is a tooth that cannot fully emerge through the gums.
- An impacted tooth is generally associated with a wisdom tooth, and its common causes include lack of space, crowding, and abnormal growth angle.
- Tooth impaction symptoms include pain, swelling, and jaw discomfort.
- If untreated, it can lead to infection, cysts, or gum disease.
- Treatment ranges from monitoring to impacted tooth extraction or orthodontic support.
Do you feel a dull ache in the jaw, swollen gums, or trouble opening your mouth? These symptoms sometimes point to a hidden issue beneath the surface, known as an impacted tooth. It develops below the gums and often goes unnoticed until discomfort begins. Knowing what to watch for and when to act can help you avoid bigger dental problems.
What is an Impacted Tooth?
An impacted tooth is a tooth that cannot fully erupt through the gums. It gets stuck under the gum or grows at the wrong angle, often pressing against nearby teeth. This condition is common with wisdom teeth. However, it can happen to other teeth as well when there is not enough space in your mouth or when something blocks the tooth’s path.
In many cases, you may not notice it right away. But when symptoms appear, they can affect your comfort and oral health.
What Causes an Impacted Tooth?
Tooth impaction usually results from space or positional problems in your mouth. Here are its most common causes:
- Lack of Space: Your jaw may not have enough room for the tooth to come in properly.
- Crowded Teeth: Other teeth may block the path.
- Abnormal Growth Angle: The tooth may grow sideways or tilt.
- Extra Teeth: Additional teeth can prevent proper eruption.
- Genetics: Some people naturally have smaller jaws.
Symptoms of an Impacted Tooth
Not all impacted teeth cause symptoms. But when they do, the signs are often easy to notice. Some of the most common tooth impaction symptoms include:
- Pain or discomfort in the gums or jaw
- Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste
- Headaches or jaw pain
If the tooth becomes infected, symptoms may get worse and require immediate care.
Types of Impacted Tooth
Impaction can vary depending on the position and location. Here are the main types:
- Partially Impacted: The tooth has broken through the gum but not fully.
- Fully Impacted: The tooth remains completely trapped under the gum.
- Angular Impaction: The tooth grows at an angle (toward or away from nearby teeth).
- Vertical Impaction: The tooth is upright but stuck under the gum.
Complications of Impacted Teeth
Tooth impaction can become serious if left untreated. While some cases stay harmless, others may lead to:
- Malocclusion (teeth misalignment), which is the result of leaving your impacted teeth untreated, as they are overcrowding in the jaw.
- Cysts due to impacted tooth go on to damage the roots of nearby teeth or destroy the bone.
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay or loss
How are Impacted Tooth Treated?
Your dentist or orthodontist conducts a diagnosis of your impacted tooth by evaluating your mouth by:
- Asking questions about your dental symptoms and health.
- Examining the condition of your teeth and gums.
- Taking dental X-rays to reveal the presence of an impacted tooth and any signs of damage to the bone.
The treatment of an impacted tooth depends on various factors, such as:
- Whether the tooth is a milk tooth or an adult tooth.
- Whether an orthodontic intervention can help them grow properly.
- The severity of the condition of your impacted teeth.
Recommended impacted tooth treatment options include:
Waiting and Monitoring
In case of a lack of symptoms, your dentist monitors your impacted tooth to routinely check for any problems instead of removing the tooth surgically.
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Impacted Tooth Extraction With Oral Surgery
Oral surgical extraction requires the expertise of a dedicated oral surgeon with extraction experience.
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Eruption Aids
In the case of impacted canine teeth, eruption aids such as braces, brackets, or the extraction of impacted teeth help the tooth to erupt properly. Treating impacted teeth with braces involves a small surgical procedure to expose the tooth, followed by affixing a small ring and chain to the braces wire. The subsequent tension slowly pulls the tooth out.
To conclude, there are certain cases wherein salvaging the impacted tooth may not be an option, leading to its removal. The ideal way to diagnose and effectively treat is by consulting a specialist orthodontist who can equip you with the best impacted tooth treatment plan that suits your medical needs.
Get in touch with the well-trained and reliable orthodontists at Thurman Orthodontics.
FAQs
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How do I know if my tooth is impacted?
You may notice pain, swelling, or infection. These symptoms can occur when the tooth presses against your gums, jawbone, or nearby teeth. In some cases, cysts may also develop.
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Does an impacted tooth need to be removed?
Not always. If it is not causing problems, your dentist may monitor it. But if symptoms develop, removal can help prevent further issues.
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Can a tooth impaction heal on its own?
No. An impacted tooth doesn’t fix itself. Symptoms may come and go, but the underlying issue requires professional care.
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What happens if you don’t treat an impacted tooth?
Untreated tooth impaction can lead to infection, pain, tooth decay, and gum disease. It may also make cleaning your teeth more difficult.
Dr. Brian Thurman has spent his entire life enjoying all the beauty that California has to offer. A Fresno native, he still escapes to the ocean or the mountains whenever his busy schedule allows. Driven by his love for natural beauty, Dr. Thurman enjoys creating beautiful smiles and healthy bites that last a lifetime. He is proud to be the only Ivy League trained Orthodontist in the Fresno/Clovis area.