Tooth impaction is when a tooth does not erupt fully or does not grow in a proper position. This mostly happens to the third set of molars (wisdom teeth). In most cases, tooth impaction occurs due to overcrowding, leaving little or no room for the molars to erupt. For instance, some teeth may not emerge fully when the jaw is too small to fit all the teeth.
Complications of Tooth Impaction
Teeth impaction can cause pain and swelling of your gums. You may notice redness in areas of the impacted tooth. Besides, impaction can push the neighboring tooth, causing a misaligned bite. How about your oral hygiene? Impacted teeth are hard to clean, making you susceptible to gum diseases and tooth decay. Luckily, you can prevent this complication by seeking professional help. A dentist may recommend wisdom teeth extraction to avoid future oral issues.
Symptoms of Impacted Teeth
Sometimes impacted wisdom teeth do not cause pain or discomfort. This means that you may not notice when you have an issue with your teeth. However, you may notice some changes in the appearance of your teeth. For instance, you can experience overbite or underbite, which can affect your chewing or speaking. Some symptoms that might indicate that you have an impacted tooth include gaps where the tooth didn't erupt, an unpleasant taste near the impacted tooth, bad breath, and tenderness of the jaw bone.
Can A Dentist Treat Tooth Impaction?
The first step to take after you notice signs of an impacted tooth is to consult a dentist. The professional may perform X-rays to determine if the symptoms result from tooth impaction. They may then discuss treatment options to allow you to select one that fits your needs. In most cases, extraction surgery is recommended to manage pain and prevent infection. Besides, braces and brackets can help the tooth to erupt properly. However, this procedure is most effective for young people. Contact us to learn more about our treatment options for impacted wisdom teeth.
Tooth impaction is when a tooth does not erupt fully or does not grow in a proper position. This mostly happens to the third set of molars (wisdom teeth). In most cases, tooth impaction occurs due to overcrowding, leaving little or no room for the molars to erupt. For instance, some teeth may not emerge fully when the jaw is too small to fit all the teeth.