Our teeth face impacts, breaks and chips every day from the food we eat, accidental falls or stresses from our daily activities. While most dental issues are minor and temporary, sometimes the damage goes deeper and impacts the pulp or nerve inside the tooth.
An impacted tooth occurs when a tooth is unable to erupt properly or at all and remains trapped within the gums and bone. This can be caused by insufficient room in the jaw, genetics, or delayed development.
Left untreated, impacted teeth can lead to infection, cysts, pain and even tooth loss over time. As your trusted neighborhood dental practice, we specialize in providing expert care for all types of dental needs including impacted teeth. At Cornerstone Dentistry, we are equipped to address this concern with expertise and empathetic care.
Understanding Impacted Teeth
It is possible for teeth to become impacted when there is insufficient space in the jaw or when the teeth are misaligned, which prevents them from erupting normally. Although wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the teeth that are most likely to become impacted, other teeth, including canines, can also become impacted.
Causes and Symptoms of Impacted Teeth
Several factors can lead to tooth impaction:
- Genetic Factors: Jaw size and tooth size are often inherited, and mismatches can lead to impaction.
- Overcrowding: Limited space in the jaw can prevent proper tooth alignment and eruption.
- Misaligned Teeth: Teeth growing at the wrong angle can block other teeth from erupting.
Symptoms of impacted teeth vary but may include the presence of discomfort or stiffness in the gums or jaw, swelling or redness in the gums, trouble opening the mouth, foul breath, or an unpleasant taste are all symptoms that may indicate a problem with the gums.
Risks Associated with Impacted Teeth
Untreated impacted teeth can lead to complications such as:
- Infection: The area around an impacted tooth can serve as a fertile breeding place for germs, which can result in infection and gum disease.
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Impacted teeth can push against neighboring teeth, causing misalignment or damage.
- Cysts or Tumors: In some cases, cysts or tumors can develop around the impacted tooth.
Treatment Options at Cornerstone Dentistry
Our approach to treating impacted teeth includes:
- Surgical Extraction: Often, the most effective treatment for impacted wisdom teeth is surgical extraction. This procedure involves removing the tooth to prevent or address complications associated with impaction.
- Orthodontic Treatment: For non-wisdom impacted teeth, orthodontic treatments like braces or aligners can help create space and guide the teeth into their proper position.
- Monitoring: Sometimes, particularly when the impacted tooth is not causing symptoms, careful monitoring may be recommended.
Preventive Measures and Ongoing Care
At Cornerstone Dentistry, we emphasize the importance of early detection and preventive care in managing impacted teeth. By doing routine dental examinations, we are able to spot possible problems early when simpler treatments can often be used. We also educate patients on the importance of addressing oral habits that could contribute to impaction.
Our Commitment to Comprehensive Care
We are committed to providing care that is all-encompassing and takes into account the specific requirements of each individual patient who has impacted teeth. Within our team, we are committed to utilizing the most cutting-edge technology and treatment procedures in order to guarantee the most favorable outcomes. Educating and providing support to our patients is our primary priority.
Impacted teeth are a condition that requires timely and effective treatment to prevent serious complications and preserve oral health.
At Cornerstone Dentistry, we offer expert care as well as a variety of effective therapy options for the management of impacted teeth. If you have concerns about impacted teeth or are experiencing related symptoms, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us.
