Is My Tooth Impacted?
An impacted tooth is the result of a tooth not erupting through the gumline to grow into its proper position. The tooth remains trapped, or impacted, in the gum tissue or jawbone. This might lead to dental problems and other health concerns if not addressed.
There are several causes for impacted teeth, and a variety of solutions for treating the issue. The following is a quick review to help you understand impacted teeth, why it might be important to treat this situation, and how your dentist can provide successful treatment.
What Are Impacted Teeth?
Impacted teeth happen when the teeth cannot erupt successfully on their own. Something might be obstructing their advancement, such as baby teeth not falling out properly, or there is just not enough room for all the teeth in the arch. This will result in the teeth getting stuck, sometimes barely erupting, or not visible whatsoever, remaining under the gums.
You could have several impacted teeth, or just one, or none. This depends on the unique causes of your impacted teeth and how your teeth erupt. It all depends on your personal situation.
While impacted teeth might not cause you pain or discomfort, and you might not even know they are even there, it is important to be aware of them, and treat accordingly.
What Causes Impacted Teeth?
There are a variety of causes for impacted teeth, and an impacted tooth can be the result of one or multiple of the following factors:
* The tooth has grown at an angle that will not fit, so its progress has stopped.
* Your arch or jaw is too small to fit more teeth.
* Your teeth in the arch are overcrowded leaving no room for the tooth to grow into.
* The tooth is too large to fit in the space.
* Accidental damage to a baby tooth can affect the erupting adult tooth, resulting in the adult tooth becoming impacted.
* Genetic factors which have affected your teeth or jaw.
What are the Signs or Symptoms of Impacted Teeth?
You may be able to see the impacted tooth. Sometimes it can be visible at the gumline but stuck from growing in any further. Or it may be still under the surface in the gums, and you cannot see it. X-rays will help your dentist evaluate and determine the position of the impacted teeth, even if you cannot see it.
Other signs that could be evidence of an impacted tooth:
* You have developed constant bad breath.
* Red, swollen, or painful gums.
* Tender or throbbing gums.
* Gaps appearing between your teeth.
* Consistent jaw aches.
* Frequent headaches.
* Discomfort when you open your mouth.
* Difficulty or pain when biting, chewing, or swallowing.
* Either premature or delayed loss of the baby teeth.
If your teeth are crowded in an arch, it might be difficult to determine whether a tooth has grown in by examining your teeth. An evaluation by your dentist is extremely beneficial since they will take x-rays to locate and then identify which teeth have not erupted properly.
If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist to examine your teeth, take x-rays, and evaluate whether there is a need for impacted tooth treatment.