An impacted tooth is a condition in which teeth cannot grow on their own or fail to emerge due to several oral issues such as overcrowding of teeth, wisdom tooth development at a twisted angle, baby teeth not falling out on time, and others.
Tooth impaction occurs when the mouth does not have enough room to occupy all the teeth. This happens mainly due to a history of genetics or delayed orthodontic treatment.
Signs You Should Notice for Impacted teeth
Signs of Impacted teeth may be silent in some people or maybe severe in others. Sometimes, impacted teeth are diagnosed only with routine dental checkups and dental X-rays. If signs of impacted teeth go unnoticed, it may affect oral hygiene resulting in infections, and tooth decay. Common signs of an impacted tooth are:
- Red, swollen and bleeding gums
- Difficulty in biting and chewing
- Difficulty in opening the mouth
- Bad breath
- Jaw pain
Consequences of Impacted Teeth
Practicing good oral hygiene may not be possible as impacted teeth never break through the gums. This may put you at higher risk for following dental issues.
- Cavities
- Tooth decay
- Infection
- Overcrowding between the teeth
- Cysts
- Absorption of bone or adjacent teeth
- Severe gum disease
- Bite or chewing problems
Treatment for an Impacted Tooth
If you experience severe pain or the condition becomes complicated, the dentist may recommend extraction surgery in which a single incision is made to remove the impacted tooth. The dentist will analyze the dental X-ray to determine the placement of the impacted tooth and the positioning of the rest of the teeth before the tooth extraction surgery.
Impacted teeth are also corrected effectively with orthodontic treatment with expert care. They correct the position of each tooth and align them for a healthy straight smile.
Pain Management for Impacted tooth
If you experience severe pain due to an impacted tooth, you can use over-the-counter medication for temporary relief. It is also advisable to rinse your mouth with warm saline water to reduce swelling and inflammation. If home remedies do not work, visit the dentist at the earliest to prevent future complications. The dentist may analyze the oral issue and recommend tooth extraction or other medical interventions for the impacted tooth.
If you notice any signs of infection related to the impacted tooth, take quick action and seek expert treatment. Contact Grant Gerety, DDS at Warren Clinic Bldg # 7, 4606 E. 67th St., Suite 310, Tulsa, OK 74136. Call us at (918) 493-3031 to book an appointment.
