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What to know about impacted teeth

impacted tooth14 May 2024 | By Dr. Eric Meyer

Picture this: you’re chilling in the dentist’s chair, expecting a routine check-up, when suddenly your dentist mentions – you have an impacted tooth! Have you ever wondered why some teeth just can’t seem to find their way into the spotlight? Let’s unravel some information surrounding impacted teeth…

What are Impacted Teeth?

Impacted teeth are simply teeth that fail to erupt—for a varying reasons— into their designated spots in the mouth. Instead of erupting, they hang back, and may cause further problems beneath the surface.

Common Questions About Impacted Teeth:

Why do teeth become impacted?

There are many reasons why teeth might get stuck in the gum tissue or jawbone (too many to describe):

  • Often, teeth become impacted when there is crowding or a lack of space in the jaw for them to erupt properly. This commonly happens with wisdom teeth, but may occur in other teeth, like the canines. 
  • Sometimes it’s simply a case of genetics – thanks, Mom and Dad! 
  • Other times, abnormal tooth development can play a role where the teeth lack cellular mechanism and activity for eruption.
  • Perhaps the tooth takes a poor path of eruption and gets stuck in the wrong spot.
  • Stubborn baby teeth don’t loosen for the incoming adult teeth.
  • Pathology may also play a role, such as, cyst formation around an erupted tooth, extra teeth (supernumerary), or trauma, among other findings.

Are impacted teeth painful?

Not necessarily. In some cases, impacted teeth can lurk beneath the surface without causing any discomfort. However, if they start pushing against neighboring teeth or lead to complications like infection or cyst formation, you might start feeling some discomfort.

What are the risks associated with impacted teeth?

Left unchecked, impacted teeth can cause a host of problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, cysts, and even damage to nearby teeth. That’s why it’s essential to take action if necessary.

How to deal with Impacted Teeth?

So, what can you do if you suspect you have impacted teeth? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  1. Regular Dental Check-ups: Make sure to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. They can keep an eye on your oral health and spot any potential issues before they escalate.
  2. X-rays: If your dentist suspects you might have impacted teeth, they’ll likely recommend X-rays to get a closer look. This can help determine the best course of action moving forward.
  3. Consultation with an Orthodontist and Oral Surgeon: Depending on the tooth and type of impaction, your dentist might refer you to an orthodontist or oral surgeon for further evaluation and treatment. Don’t worry – they’re the experts when it comes to dealing with stubborn teeth! An oral surgeon will be able to extract an impacted tooth if necessary or uncover the tooth in order for an orthodontist to get the tooth into the correct position it was intended to be.
  4. Treatment Options: Treatment for impacted teeth can vary depending on the individual case. In some instances, extraction may be necessary to prevent complications. However, if the impacted tooth isn’t causing any issues, your dentist might recommend a wait-and-see approach. As mentioned before, an orthodontist may be needed to move that tooth into the correct position.

In summary, impacted teeth are the unerupted teeth that can’t their way into the right spot. They fail to erupt for a variety of reasons and may or may not cause problems in the future. It is important for regular dental check ups to catch these problems and consider an evaluation by and orthodontist or oral surgeon if treatment is recommended.

As always, have a great week!

-Dr. E