Fix Impacted Teeth

When a tooth, for whatever reason, is blocked from breaking through the gums, it is referred to as being impacted.  In some instances, the tooth may only be partially impacted in that a portion has started breaking through.  Impacted teeth often cause no symptoms and might only be identified from an X-ray during a routine dentist visit.

A tooth can become impacted when there is not enough space for it in the mouth.  Often this is the result of genetics or orthodontic treatment.  Wisdom teeth (also referred to as third molars), which are often the last teeth to grow between the ages of 17-21, are most often impacted because the jaw has stopped growing and thus too small to accommodate the teeth.  Because wisdom teeth serve no real purpose, they are often extracted if they create space issues.

Impacted Tooth Symptoms

While the patient may not experience any signs or symptoms of an impacted tooth, typical symptoms may include:

  • Swelling, redness, or bleeding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Foul taste in the mouth
  • Difficulties opening the mouth
  • Pain when biting, chewing, or opening the mouth

Treatment Options

Patients that suspect they have an impacted tooth should see a dentist as quickly as possible.  The dentist will be able to examine the teeth and take X-rays to determine if the symptoms are due to an impacted tooth.  If the culprit is diagnosed to be an impacted tooth, treatment options may include:

  • Waiting and monitoring:  In cases where the impacted tooth is not causing any symptoms or issues, the dentist may take a wait-and-see approach in regards to treatment.  With this option, the dentist will regularly monitor the tooth to see if problems develop rather than opting for surgical removal.  This approach is easy to do if regular dental visits are incorporated into the patient’s oral health regimen.
  • Surgery:  In cases where the patient is experiencing pain or other side effects from the impacted tooth, the dentist may recommend surgery to extract the tooth.  This is especially true if the cause is wisdom teeth.  Tooth extraction may also be recommended if the impacted tooth could negatively effect other teeth.  In general, tooth extraction surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in the oral surgeon’s office allowing the patient to return home after the procedure.  Extraction typically takes 45-60 minutes and is done when the patient is under local anesthesia.  Full recovery can take 7-10 days but most patients will be able to return to work or school a few days after the procedure.
  • Eruption aids:  Useful when canine teeth are impacted, eruption aids can be used to help a tooth erupt properly.  Eruption aids include brackets, braces, or removing the baby or adult teeth that are blocking the canines.  Use of eruption aids are most effective when used on younger patients.  If the eruption aid fails, the impacted tooth will likely need to be removed and replaced with a bridge or dental implant.

Prognosis

Some impacted teeth do not create issues or symptoms and therefore do not require treatment.  In other cases, the impacted tooth must be removed to prevent damage to other teeth or infection.  However, with routine dental checkups, dentists can identify impacted teeth early and recommend treatment plans.

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