What is an Impacted Tooth

In a series of several dental problems, one significant issue is having an impacted tooth. In the dental terms, ‘ impacted’ means a tooth that has not erupted correctly. That means it is not able to come out of the gums and is blocked. Well, there are a few possible reasons for it. The basic hindrance to its coming is that there is no room for it. In simple terms, the lack of space in the bone is a broad cause. Now, as the lower molar teeth are the last to erupt, mostly they are the ones to be impacted.

Symptoms of Impacted tooth

Having an impacted tooth may cause several problems. It will also harm the neighbouring teeth and create crowding. In addition to it, it can push the already erupted teeth into wrong, unhealthy positions. The overcrowding and ill-positioning can definitely affect your appearance, consequently hurting your self-esteem. Now how can you make out the presence of an impacted tooth in the early stages? Well, there are no visible symptoms in many cases. In other cases, you can observe the following signs-

Redness, swelling or bleeding in the gums

• Bad breath
• Pain while chewing or biting
• Strain in opening mouth
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Pain in the jaw

An impacted tooth also makes your teeth vulnerable to cavities. In children, it leads to gingivitis, causing them pain and uneasiness. They will not be able to eat their food properly, which will turn them weaker. That is why it is imperative to see a dentist as soon as possible.

Prime causes

For some, an impacted tooth is no big deal, as it causes no pain. But in other few cases, it can cause a massive disaster inside your mouth. This is so because an impacted tooth pushes another tooth, and this chain continues further, and the consequence is a complete misalignment of the teeth. You must know that this disaster can just come to you at the age of 17-21, when your appearance is a prime concern for you, as the wisdom teeth (usually the last teeth to grow), erupt at this stage only.

There are various reasons for an impacted tooth-like small size of the jaw, twisted, and displaced teeth. All these reasons lead to the same cause; lack of space in the bone. Genetics also has a role to play here. Thus, If your parents had an impacted tooth, you have more chances of developing the same.

How is the impacted tooth treated?

As soon as you find the symptoms of an impacted tooth, see a dentist for the treatment. He will examine the teeth and perform an x-ray to find the exact cause. Treating an impacted tooth can vary from simple to complicated processes. It depends on the severity. Sometimes, removing the baby tooth can solve the problem as it will make room for a permanent tooth.

But, in other cases, an impacted tooth may need eruption aids like braces and brackets or even surgery. Surgery may take a few days for recovery.

Be early on the treatment and ensure healthy recovery!

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.