Tooth impaction is fairly common in the world of general dentistry. Impacted teeth result when one or more teeth fail to penetrate through the gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth typically affect individuals between the ages of 17 and 21 as they begin to grow in. However, the maxillary canines’ impact tends to affect young people between the ages of 10 and 14 as their adult teeth begin surfacing and shifting into place.
An impacted tooth that fails to emerge doesn’t typically grow and develop correctly and can result in crooked teeth, dental crowding, and oral discomfort. With that in mind, there are certain things that everyone should know about the symptoms and causes of impacted teeth, as well as the solutions for this condition that the dental professionals at Lovett Dental West U.
Common Symptoms of Impacted Teeth
Many individuals don’t experience any symptoms in cases of tooth impaction. Those who do, however, typically report complications that include:
- One or more teeth growing in front of or behind existing teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Bad breath
- Swollen, red, or bleeding gums
- Pain or difficulty when opening the mouth
- Discomfort when biting or chewing
- An unpleasant taste in the mouth
Symptoms of impacted teeth may present themselves periodically over the course of several weeks or months. It’s recommended that individuals seek the counsel of a general dentistry specialist to discover if the underlying cause of the symptoms is tooth impaction. Early detection and starting proper treatment as soon as possible helps prevent tooth shifting, pain, and other side effects. Treatment methods will depend on the tooth in question and whether any other related conditions are present.
Treatment for Impacted Wisdom Teeth
The most common incidences of tooth impaction involve the wisdom teeth or “third molars.” Problems arise as a result of the fact that in the late teens and early twenties, most individual’s jawbones have stopped growing. As a result, the mouth and jawline might not have ample space to accommodate wisdom teeth.
But what is the cause of this problem in the first place? It all boils down to the ways that our bodies change over time. Our human ancestors needed wisdom teeth because of their diets. Modern humans’ diets and cooking abilities have made these teeth obsolete. Therefore, there is less appearance of them in modern populations. And when they do appear, they are more likely to become impacted.
Removal of impacted third molars most often involves an oral surgical procedure. Wisdom tooth extraction is usually recommended in cases when:
- Gum disease or infection is present near the tooth.
- Tooth decay is indicated in an erupting wisdom tooth.
- Tumors or cysts are present near the site.
- The wisdom teeth begin crowding or damaging adjacent teeth.
During an outpatient impacted teeth removal procedure, patients will undergo sedation dentistry or general anesthesia. The oral surgeon makes a small incision in the gum and removes the tooth before stitching the wound shut. The procedure is straightforward and takes only a few weeks to heal fully.
Dental Treatment for Impacted Canine Teeth
Impacted canine teeth occur fairly frequently. Formally known as “maxillary canines” or “cuspids,” these teeth are essential for proper dental alignment, aesthetic appearance, and chewing food. For these reasons, dentists are likely to recommend treatment to encourage eruption before considering impacted teeth removal.
Our Lovett Dental West U professionals may recommend a wire wrap for the tooth in question. When properly placed, it may help encourage the movement of the canine to make room for the impacted tooth. A second option is to use orthodontic braces to correct the issue. If these methods prove unsuccessful, removal may be advised along with restoration using a dental bridge or dental implant.
Contact Lovett Dental West U About Impacted Teeth Removal
Don’t let tooth impaction negatively impact your smile or cause you pain. We offer several solutions to remove or resolve impacted wisdom teeth and other or dental concerns for patients. Contact Lovett Dental West U online or call us at 832-617-5530 to schedule an appointment with one of our dental specialists near you.