An impacted tooth is a tooth that fails to fully erupt through the gum line and bone. While any tooth can become impacted, the wisdom teeth (third molars) are the most common culprits. Understanding the causes, potential problems, and available treatments for impacted teeth is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health.

Why Do Teeth Become Impacted?

Several factors can contribute to tooth impaction, including:

• Lack of Space: The jaw may not be large enough to accommodate all the teeth, leading to crowding and preventing a tooth from erupting properly. This is particularly common with wisdom teeth as they are the last to develop.

• Tooth Position: A tooth may be angled, tilted, or rotated in a way that blocks its normal eruption path.

• Obstructions: Sometimes, other teeth, cysts, tumors, or extra tissue can physically prevent a tooth from emerging.

• Genetics: A predisposition to impacted teeth can be inherited.

• Premature Loss of Baby Teeth: If baby teeth are lost too early, the adjacent teeth can shift and block the eruption space for the permanent teeth.

The Potential Problems of Untreated Impacted Teeth

Ignoring an impacted tooth can lead to a range of oral health issues, some of which can be quite serious:

• Pain and Discomfort: Pressure from the impacted tooth against adjacent teeth, nerves, or bone can cause significant pain, especially during flare-ups.

• Infection (Pericoronitis): When a portion of the impacted tooth breaks through the gum, food particles and bacteria can become trapped underneath the flap of gum tissue (operculum). This can lead to a painful infection called pericoronitis, characterized by swelling, redness, pus, and difficulty opening the mouth.

• Damage to Adjacent Teeth: An impacted tooth can exert pressure on the roots of neighboring teeth, potentially causing resorption (wearing away of the root) or shifting their position.

• Cyst Formation: In some cases, a fluid-filled sac (cyst) can develop around the impacted tooth. These cysts can grow and damage the jawbone, nerves, and surrounding teeth.

• Tumor Formation (Rare): Although rare, tumors can sometimes develop in association with impacted teeth.

• Crowding and Misalignment: An impacted tooth can contribute to overall crowding and misalignment of the bite.

Recognizing an Impacted Tooth

Sometimes, an impacted tooth is obvious – you might see a portion of it trying to emerge or experience pain in the area. However, in many cases, impacted teeth cause no immediate symptoms and are only discovered during a routine dental examination and X-rays.

Treatment Options for Impacted Teeth

The treatment approach for an impacted tooth depends on several factors, including the tooth's position, the presence of symptoms, the potential for future problems, and the patient's overall oral health. Common treatment options include:

• Observation: If the impacted tooth is not causing any problems, is deeply embedded, and has a low risk of future complications, your dentist may recommend a "watchful waiting" approach. This involves regular checkups and X-rays to monitor the tooth's position and any changes.

• Pain Management and Antibiotics: If an infection (pericoronitis) occurs, the initial treatment will focus on managing the pain and eliminating the infection. This may involve pain relievers, warm salt water rinses, and antibiotics.

• Surgical Exposure: In some cases, especially when orthodontic treatment is planned to guide the impacted tooth into its correct position, a minor surgical procedure called exposure may be performed. The gum tissue covering the tooth is carefully removed to expose the crown, and an orthodontic bracket with a chain may be attached to help pull the tooth into alignment.

• Surgical Extraction: The most common treatment for problematic impacted teeth is surgical extraction. This procedure involves carefully removing the tooth and any surrounding bone or tissue that is hindering its eruption. The complexity of the extraction depends on the tooth's position, angulation, and how deeply it is embedded. Following the extraction, sutures may be placed, and post-operative instructions will be provided to ensure proper healing.

When is Extraction Necessary?

Extraction is often recommended in the following situations:

• The impacted tooth is causing pain, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth.

• There is evidence of cyst or tumor formation.

• The impacted tooth is interfering with orthodontic treatment.

• There is a high likelihood of future problems if the tooth is left untreated.

The Importance of Professional Evaluation

If you suspect you have an impacted tooth or are experiencing pain in your jaw, it's crucial to consult with a dentist for a thorough examination and diagnosis. Early detection and appropriate treatment can help prevent more serious complications and ensure a healthy, functional smile.

For comprehensive and expert care for impacted teeth, consider visiting Dr. Rosas Dental Clinic, which offers Impacted Tooth Treatment services at the following convenient locations:

• BAMC, Taculing, Bacolod City

• Sum-ag, Bacolod City

• Jaro, Iloilo City