How Serious Is an Impacted Tooth?
If you've been experiencing oral discomfort, challenges with biting and chewing, an unpleasant taste, foul breath, or any other unusual symptoms, several dental concerns might be at play. Among them, an impacted tooth is a relatively frequent issue that can cause these symptoms.
Below is a deep dive into impacted teeth, their severity, available treatment alternatives, and more.
What is an Impacted Tooth?
An impacted tooth is a condition where a tooth can't emerge in its intended position. Various reasons can lead to this, like the persistence of baby teeth obstructing the path of a tooth or insufficient space in the mouth for all teeth to develop properly. Consequently, the tooth in question might get trapped, either emerging only partially through the gums or staying completely hidden beneath them.
How Serious Is an Impacted Tooth?
Impacted teeth can manifest differently across individuals, largely depending on specific growth dynamics and the factors contributing to the impaction. For example, some might grapple with impaction during their baby teeth phase, but see their adult teeth emerge seamlessly, and for others, it could be the reverse.
Not every impacted tooth results in discomfort or pain. Nevertheless, it's imperative to consistently monitor them. Depending on the situation, interventions might range from adjusting the tooth's position to, in more complex cases, opting for extraction.
What Causes an Impacted Tooth?
There are various causes of impacted teeth. Some of these include:
- Twisted or Angled Growth
- Overcrowding
- Limited Jaw Size
- An Oversized Tooth
- Genetic Factors
- Accidental Damage
Throughout our lives, we transition through two distinct sets of teeth: baby teeth followed by adult teeth. Given this natural progression, the probability of us facing issues like an impacted tooth can arise during either phase of our dental journey. Understanding this is crucial, as it underscores the importance of regular dental check-ups for us at every age.
The Treatment of an Impacted Tooth
When confronted with an impacted tooth, the most frequently suggested treatment is extraction. After undergoing a thorough evaluation by a dentist, they'll put forth a customized treatment plan tailored to the patient's unique circumstances. If the impacted tooth has become infected or inflamed, administering antibiotic treatment might be a prerequisite to address and manage the infection. Only then can an oral surgeon proceed with the removal of the tooth in a safe manner.
However, it's essential to understand that not all impacted teeth necessitate immediate intervention. There are instances where such teeth remain symptom-free, causing no apparent complications. In these cases, extraction might not be required at all. A detailed consultation with a dentist is crucial, as they can provide clarity on whether retaining the impacted teeth might be detrimental to the patient's broader dental health in the long run.
Contact Us
Should you suspect you're dealing with an impacted tooth, or if you've noticed discomfort, foul breath, or any other dental irregularities, don't hesitate to get in touch. We can arrange a timely appointment for a dentist to evaluate your situation and pinpoint the underlying problem. Should the diagnosis be an impacted tooth, our dentist will chart out the best course of action to rectify the issue.