Is My Tooth Impacted?
Discomfort within a tooth, particularly when its cause is unknown, can be unsettling. An impacted tooth is a common culprit behind such discomfort, and recognizing its symptoms can be instrumental in seeking the treatment you need, when you need it.
Below is information about what an impacted tooth is, the symptoms of an impacted tooth, and potential treatment options.
What is an Impacted Tooth?
When a tooth can't find its way to its intended spot in the mouth, it's often described as “impacted.” Reasons for this misalignment might range from baby teeth that haven't fallen out, to simply not having enough room to accommodate all teeth. This can lead to the tooth either peeking out a bit from the gums or staying fully buried below them.
Signs of an Impacted Tooth
Below are some signs of an impacted tooth:
- Gum tenderness or pain
- Jaw aches
- Difficulty or pain when chewing, biting, or swallowing
- Bad breath
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Swollen, red, or painful gums
- Gaps in teeth
- Headaches
- Pain when opening mouth
- Premature or delayed loss of baby teeth
Is It Serious?
The severity of an impacted tooth often hinges on individual factors and can manifest differently in each person. While some may only encounter this issue during their early years with baby teeth, others face challenges as their adult teeth come in.
It's noteworthy that not all impacted teeth bring pain or obvious symptoms. Yet, it's always wise to keep a vigilant eye on any dental irregularities. Depending on the situation, intervention can vary—some might benefit from simple tooth adjustments, while others may need a full-fledged extraction.
Impacted Tooth Causes
The causes of an impacted tooth are diverse. Some of these causes may include:
- Twisted or angled growth
- An oversized tooth
- Accidental injury
- Overcrowding
- Genetic predisposition
- Limited jaw size
Throughout a person's life, they go through two distinct stages of dental development—having baby teeth and later, adult teeth. During both these phases, there's a potential risk of encountering an impacted tooth.
Treatment Options
Navigating through dental challenges, such as impacted teeth, is vital for overall oral health. When faced with an impacted tooth, there are several treatment options to consider.
After a thorough dental examination, often supplemented with x-rays, the severity and precise location of the impacted tooth can be determined. Minor impactions might only require monitoring with regular dental check-ups to ensure no progression. In more pronounced cases, orthodontic treatments can be employed to create space and guide the tooth to its correct position.
However, when a tooth presents significant complications, extraction often becomes the preferred solution. This prevents potential problems like infections or alignment issues. Following any treatment, adhering to aftercare instructions is crucial for optimal healing and continued dental health. Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist.
Reach Out Today
Should you suspect an impacted tooth or if you're dealing with discomfort, bad breath, or any other dental concerns, please contact us. We're here to assist and will promptly arrange an appointment to address the situation.