Introduction
A tooth that is prevented from erupting through the gum due to various reasons is referred to as an impacted tooth. Sometimes, a tooth can be slightly impacted, indicating that it has started to pierce the surface. Impacted teeth often display no symptoms and are typically only detected through regular X-rays taken during routine dental exams. To learn more about impacted teeth and the necessary steps to deal with them, continue reading the rest of this article.
What Are the Causes of Tooth Impaction?
Teeth usually erupt from the gums during early childhood, and this process is repeated when primary teeth are replaced by permanent ones. A tooth is described as "impacted" if it partially or completely fails to erupt. This frequently happens with wisdom teeth, the third set of molars, which are the last to erupt and normally emerge between the age of 17 and 21. For various reasons, an impacted tooth remains lodged in the bone or gum tissue. Crowding in the mouth can make it difficult for teeth to erupt, and the jaw may not have enough room for wisdom teeth. During their emergence, teeth can also twist, tilt, or move, leading to impaction.
Although impacted wisdom teeth are common and often painless, some experts argue that they can exert pressure on nearby teeth, triggering a sequence that might result in a misaligned bite. Additionally, pericoronitis, a condition marked by inflammation, gum discomfort, and bad breath, can occur when a partially emerging tooth traps food and debris. Besides contributing to deterioration in the impacted tooth or its neighboring teeth, the trapped material may also cause bone loss.
What Are the Symptoms of Tooth Impaction?
A fully impacted tooth can exhibit no symptoms, but a partially impacted one may lead to:
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Visible gap where a tooth did not emerge.
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Swelling and redness of the gums around the impacted tooth.
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Tenderness or pain of the gums or jaw bone.
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Unpleasant taste when biting down on or near the area.
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Occasional difficulty in opening the mouth.
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Persistent headache or jaw ache.
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Halitosis (bad breath).
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Swollen lymph nodes of the neck (occasionally).
What Are the Most Commonly Impacted Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth, commonly known as "third molars," are the most typical type. They usually become apparent when the jaw has stopped developing, typically between the age of 17 and 21. Wisdom teeth often lack the space they need for healthy growth due to the limited room in the mouth and jaw. Especially in individuals with smaller jaws, they are typically removed if they pose problems since they serve little purpose, increasing the likelihood of impacted wisdom teeth. The maxillary canines, sometimes referred to as cuspid or upper eyeteeth, are the second-most frequently impacted teeth. Since these teeth play crucial roles in the mouth, dentists often recommend treatments to facilitate their eruption rather than opting for removal.
What Is the Diagnosis of the Impacted Tooth?
The dentist examines the area where a tooth has partially or incompletely emerged. Swollen tissue and pressure on nearby teeth can indicate an impacted tooth. Infections around impacted wisdom teeth may result in redness, discharge, and gum discomfort. Swelling, drainage, and subsequent gum tightening can create the sensation that the tooth developed and then withdrew. Dental X-rays are used to confirm the presence of one or more unerupted teeth.
What Is the Treatment for the Impacted Tooth?
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Observation and Consistent Monitoring: If the impacted tooth is not causing pain, a watchful waiting strategy can be advised by the dentist. They will frequently monitor the tooth during dental appointments to identify any potential issues, instead of opting for immediate surgical removal.
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Surgery: Surgical extraction might be recommended by the dentist if the impacted tooth is causing discomfort or other adverse effects, especially in the case of impacted wisdom teeth. Extraction may also be necessary if an adjacent tooth is being negatively affected by the impacted tooth. This surgical procedure is often performed on an outpatient basis at an oral surgeon's office. Patients can return home on the same day as the surgery, which typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes. Local anesthetic is usually used, and healing takes seven to 10 days. After the procedure, patients can often resume their regular activities, such as work or school, within a few days.
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Eruption Aids: In cases of impacted canines, eruption aids like braces, brackets, or the removal of baby or adult teeth that may impede the canines can be utilized to promote proper eruption. These techniques are most successful in younger individuals. If natural eruption is not possible, the impacted tooth might need to be removed and replaced with a dental implant or bridge.
For effective monitoring and appropriate management of an impacted tooth, it is crucial to follow the dentist's recommendations and attend regular dental examinations.
What Are the Complications of an Impacted Tooth?
Fully impacted teeth cannot be cleaned or maintained as they never emerge from the gums. However, when teeth are slightly impacted, cleaning them efficiently becomes challenging, making them more susceptible to dental problems such as:
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Infections.
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Cavities.
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Crowding of neighboring teeth.
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Resorption of bone or adjacent teeth.
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Formation of cysts, which can harm nearby tooth roots or erode bone.
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Gum diseases.
How to Manage the Pain of an Impacted Tooth?
Over-the-counter drugs can often provide short-term relief for discomfort caused by an impacted tooth. One such option is Aspirin, a well-researched treatment for minor to moderate dental pain. However, it is crucial to remember that Aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 18 due to the elevated risk of Reye's syndrome (a rare, potentially fatal condition in children often linked to Aspirin use during viral infections, causing liver and brain damage).
Pain can also be reduced by using ice to decrease inflammation or by gargling with warm, salty water. There are several home remedies available, and it is advisable to consult a doctor if the discomfort persists despite trying these solutions. They might recommend an appropriate painkiller. However, even if home remedies help, it is essential to see a dentist. Pain management techniques offer temporary relief. If an impacted tooth is causing discomfort, surgery or other medical procedures will likely be necessary for its removal.
What Is the Prognosis of an Impacted Tooth?
Some individuals with impacted teeth may not experience any issues and might not require treatment. In most cases, when an impacted tooth causes symptoms, treatment is more effective. Removing wisdom teeth before the age of 20 often yields better results compared to removal later in life. This is because the roots are less developed, making extraction easier and speeding up the healing process. As one ages, the bone becomes denser and roots extend and twist, leading to potential complications.
Conclusion
The term "dental teeth impaction" refers to a situation where a tooth does not fully erupt or does not align correctly in the mouth. While some impacted teeth may not cause problems or require treatment, symptomatic situations often demand action. Wisdom teeth extraction is often recommended before the age of 20 for better results, as younger age allows for easier extraction and quicker healing. Postponing the surgery can lead to longer, more twisted roots and increased bone hardness, resulting in complications. Early evaluation and proper dental care are essential to managing dental teeth impaction.
