What Exactly Are “Impacted Teeth?”
Impacted teeth are teeth that are fully or partially trapped in gum or bone tissue. For some patients, tooth impaction causes no symptoms. However, many people experience symptoms ranging from mild tooth pain to swelling or impaired oral function. The key to optimal oral health when it comes to impacted teeth is early diagnosis. Taking dental x-rays around age seven reveals positioning of erupted and unerupted teeth, and whether tooth impaction is likely. Adult canine and wisdom teeth are the most common types of impaction. But any tooth in the mouth can be impacted. The earlier we know about impacted teeth, the better we can collaborate with your general dentist and plan for a long future of healthy smiles for your family!
Why Tooth Extraction Is Often Recommended for Impacted Teeth
In some cases, impacted teeth pose no threat to oral health or the smile. In fact, you may be completely unaware of having an impacted tooth. For others, exposing impacted teeth to the oral environment allows for proper eruption, often through orthodontic treatment. Many scenarios, however, call for the removal of impacted teeth to resolve or prevent further oral health problems. For instance by age 40, impacted teeth can fuse into position, causing additional dental problems. If it is determined that teeth are unable to properly erupt, tooth extraction is recommended to save your oral health and smile.
Leaving problematic teeth in the mouth often causes issues like:
- Bleeding
- Jaw or tooth pain
- Gum or facial swelling
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Bone loss
- Abscesses, cysts or tumors
- Bad breath
- Damage to surrounding teeth
Symptoms of Impacted Teeth
Any symptoms of impacted teeth should be evaluated promptly. Such symptoms may include bleeding, swelling, jaw or tooth pain, bad breath and swollen lymph nodes. Dr. Patrick Johnson and Dr. Sausha Toghranegar are highly experienced in diagnosing and extracting impacted teeth. We can provide a thorough evaluation, and help you determine the most appropriate treatment for your oral health. We encourage you to seek the tooth impaction care you need, and avoid the potential for future health complications. No matter your needs, our compassionate team offers expert, comfortable extraction care for you and your family.