If You Don’t Remove Impacted Teeth
Facing persistent issues like oral discomfort, bad breath, challenges in biting or chewing, or an unexpected change in your mouth's taste can be quite confusing. It’s important to understand that these changes might be your body's way of signaling an underlying dental condition. A frequent culprit behind such symptoms is an impacted tooth.
Below, you'll find details about what impacted teeth are, the consequences of neglecting them, and insights into their removal procedure.
What Are Impacted Teeth?
Impacted teeth refer to teeth that, for various reasons, fail to erupt or align properly within the dental arch. This misalignment often occurs when there's inadequate space in the mouth to accommodate the tooth's natural growth or due to obstructions from other teeth. Consequently, these teeth might remain trapped beneath the gum tissue or only partially emerge, creating potential challenges. While this condition can affect any tooth, wisdom teeth are commonly impacted.
Recognizing and addressing impacted teeth is crucial, as they can lead to a host of dental complications.
What Are the Causes of Impacted Teeth?
Several factors contribute to the development of impacted teeth, with the most common reasons revolving around space constraints and alignment issues. These include:
• Deviated Growth: When teeth deviate from their expected growth trajectory.
• Dental Overcrowding: Insufficient space causes teeth to jostle for position.
• Limited Jaw Space: Physical constraints of the jaw hinder normal tooth emergence.
• Tooth Size Discrepancy: Teeth too large to fit comfortably within the mouth's confines.
• Hereditary Factors: Genetic predispositions that influence tooth development.
• Traumatic Events: Injuries leading to tooth misalignment or obstruction.
What Happens If You Don’t Remove Impacted Teeth?
Ignoring the presence of an impacted tooth can result in significant dental issues such as overcrowding, structural harm, periodontal disease, and tooth decay, among others. While not every impacted tooth presents with pain or discomfort right away, it's crucial to keep a watchful eye on them. Depending on the situation, it may be necessary to consult with a dental professional. Potential treatments can involve repositioning the impacted tooth or, in more severe cases, opting for extraction.
Dealing with Impacted Teeth
Dealing with an impacted tooth often leads dental professionals to suggest extraction as the primary solution. A dentist will conduct a detailed evaluation and propose a tailored treatment approach. If the impacted tooth has become infected, antibiotics might be needed to control the infection prior to any surgical intervention.
That said, immediate intervention isn't always the answer. There are scenarios where impacted teeth display no symptoms and don't pose any immediate risks, making extraction not immediately required. Consult with a dentist to better determine the best course of action.
Contact Us
If you're experiencing symptoms suggestive of an impacted tooth or any other dental discomforts, we're here to help. Contact us to schedule a thorough dental check-up. If the diagnosis points to an impacted tooth, rest assured our seasoned professionals will determine the best course of action to restore your oral health.