Impacted teeth

impacted tooth

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

Why your bite is just as important as your smile

bite and smile

why your bite is just as important as your smile

20 October 2023 | By Dr. Eric Meyerbite and smile

When undergoing orthodontics many focus on the smile as the primary outcome, however, we strive for more than just straightening teeth. At Dubuque Orthodontics, we believe the way your teeth come together and function, or “occlusion,” is just as important as having an amazing smile. Of course, a well-aligned smile can positively impact self-esteem and social interactions; however, a good outcome is more than just the smile. Having a good dental bite is crucial for long-term oral health for several reasons:

1. Long-term protection of teeth from unnecessary wear and tear

First and foremost, a proper bite alignment ensures that your teeth meet and function correctly. This reduces the risk of excessive wear and tear on certain teeth, preventing issues like chipping and fractures that occur over time. Something as simple as improving your bite will save you a lot of time and money down the road. Did you know that only 30% of people have a “normal occlusion1”?

2. Reduced risk of periodontal disease affecting the gums and bone supporting your teeth

A large study by Bernhardt et al. (2019) showed that individuals with malocclusions were up to 75% more likely to experience recession and periodontal disease2.

Furthermore, proper dental alignment also contributes to better oral hygiene. Straight teeth are easier to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of gum disease and cavities. When teeth are aligned correctly, there are fewer gaps and overlapping areas where food particles and plaque can accumulate.

3. Better function and chewing efficiency

When it comes to function, a correct bite alignment also promotes effective chewing and digestion. When teeth are aligned properly, much like a zipper comes together, we are able chew food thoroughly. The front teeth tear food, while the back teeth grind food into digestible pieces. Imagine your top teeth and bottom teeth not touching in the front—that makes it a lot more difficult to take a bite!

4. Harmony between your teeth, chewing muscles, and jaw joints

Although evidence does not point to a poor bite being a primary cause of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)3, a malocclusion may be a secondary factor in what affects a healthy jaw joint. Primary factors, such as, clenching and grinding, arthritis, neuralgia, or trauma should be identified and managed first. It is important to note that orthodontic treatment may or may not help with TMJ issues.

In summary, a good dental bite ensures proper oral function, reduces the risk of dental problems, and contributes to overall oral health and well-being. A visit to your orthodontist will help you identify and correct problems in your bite, while giving you a straighter smile.

As always, have a great day.

-Dr. E

 

 

  1. Proffit, W R et al. “Prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need in the United States: estimates from the NHANES III survey.” The International journal of adult orthodontics and orthognathic surgery vol. 13,2 (1998): 97-106. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9743642/
  2. Bernhardt, Olaf et al. “New insights in the link between malocclusion and periodontal disease.” Journal of clinical periodontology vol. 46,2 (2019): 144-159. doi:10.1111/jcpe.13062. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30636328/
  3. Okeson, Jeffrey P.. Management of Temporomandibular Disorders and Occlusion: Management of Temporomandibular Disorders and Occlusion – E-Book. United States, Elsevier Health Sciences, 2019.