Fix Impacted Teeth

In most cases, patients have baby teeth which eventually become loose, fall out, and the adult tooth erupts in the empty space. In some cases, when the adult teeth erupt, they do not come in to the space perfectly straight. When this takes place, orthodontic treatments which may include Invisalign or braces are needed to shift the teeth into the optimal bite position and to prevent the teeth from overcrowding. When one or more of the adult teeth are developed in the jaw bone, but fail to erupt, they are called impacted teeth.

Impacted Teeth

It is common for tooth impaction to occur as the result of crowded teeth. When the new adult tooth does not have sufficient room in the mouth, it can fail to erupt and remain under the gums. A full impaction occurs when the tooth fails to erupt above the gumline. A partial impaction takes place when a portion of the tooth reaches the gumline, but does not grow in completely.

It is common for patients to have impacted wisdom teeth. The wisdom teeth may be impacted due to the lack of space in the jaw, they could be crooked, or may even be sideways, which can cause problems for the root of the second molars.

The upper canines can also commonly be impacted. If your family has a history of the upper canines being impacted, it is likely that you also experience this. It is common for only one canine to be impacted, however, it is possible for both canines to be impacted. The upper canines normally come in following the incisors and the premolars. When these two teeth do not leave sufficient room for the canines, they have nowhere to go when it is their turn to erupt.

Symptoms and Complications

Some people with an impacted tooth do not experience any symptoms other than the tooth failing to erupt. When the canine is impacted, it is possible that the baby tooth does not become loose. Even without the presence of symptoms, the canine teeth are critical for an attractive smile as they provide vital structure and support within the mouth. They also absorb a great deal of chewing pressure because they have longer roots. This aids in protecting the adjacent teeth.

Impacted teeth often create complications and symptoms beyond just a misaligned smile. Impacted teeth can push into the neighboring teeth below the gums and cause serious issues like cavities, infections, gum disease, and even cause serious nerve damage. Symptoms may include a foul breath odor, pain, sensitivity around the jawline, headaches or jaw aches, swollen gums and lymph nodes, a bad taste in the mouth, and obvious spaces.

Treatment Options

While it is not typically possible to prevent a tooth from being impacted, it is possible for the tooth to be removed. The need to remove the tooth is especially common when the wisdom teeth are impacted. The impacted teeth can also be moved into the desired location, which is often done with the upper canines. Adjusting the canines is often completed using a combination of oral surgery and orthodontic treatments. Impacted teeth are typically identified with x-rays. Once the problem is identified, an orthodontist can work with you to determine an optimal treatment plan.

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