IS MY TOOTH IMPACTED

Is My Tooth Impacted

People are born with two sets of teeth in their jaw. The baby teeth come in first and as we grow, are pushed out by the adult teeth. An impacted tooth is a tooth that was unable to erupt through the gum tissue. Impaction is most common with the wisdom teeth but can happen to any tooth that becomes lodged under the gums if there is not enough space for it to push through.

Lack of space is the most common cause of an impacted wisdom tooth which naturally develops perpendicular to all of our other teeth. If there is not enough space for the tooth to rotate to an upright position and push through the gum surface, it will remain impacted. Additionally, damage to baby teeth can affect the underlying adult teeth, overcrowding, small jaw, and even an oversized tooth can all lead to an impacted tooth.

An impacted tooth may never present negative symptoms and can remain impacted without any major consequences. On the other hand, an impacted tooth can also cause significant pain or jaw damage and needs to be addressed.

Is my tooth impacted?

There are a few things to be aware of if you think you have an impacted tooth. A tooth can be fully impacted or partially impacted, at which point you may be able to see a tiny bit of the tooth protruding through the gum tissue but for some reason, it cannot grow in all the way. Evidence that you have an impacted tooth may include:

• Red, puffy gum tissue
• Gaps between teeth
• Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that does not go away after brushing
• Pain when opening your mouth, jaw pain
• Pain or difficulty chewing
• Headaches

Your dentist will be able to identify impacted teeth at your regular check up appointment using your dental x-rays, at which point they may recommend treatment.

What is the treatment for an impacted tooth?

Even if you are not experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to address an impacted tooth. Your dentist may want to keep an eye on it to make sure that it does not develop decay or an abscess. If you experience negative side effects, it is important to have the tooth extracted in order to protect your other teeth.

An impacted tooth can develop decay which can spread to neighboring healthy teeth. It can also lead to gum disease, abscesses and cysts. An impacted tooth can push on a healthy tooth and cause your teeth to shift out of alignment, leading to a bad bite which in turn causes further issues that are more difficult and costly to correct.

The most common treatment for an impacted tooth is extraction, which is often the best option. If you suspect you have an impacted tooth or if you were diagnosed when you were younger, visit your dentist for an evaluation to make sure that nothing is happening below the gum line and if needed, proceed with treatment as soon as possible.

Impacted Wisdom Tooth Removal