Impacted Tooth: Causes, Symptoms & Surgical Extraction

An impacted tooth is a dental condition where a tooth becomes trapped or stuck beneath the gum line or within the jawbone, preventing it from fully erupting or emerging into its proper position in the mouth. This can occur with any tooth, but it is most commonly seen with the third molars, also known as wisdom teeth.

Impacted teeth can occur due to a variety of factors, including:

• Lack of Space: The most common cause of impacted teeth is a lack of space in the jaw to accommodate the full eruption of all the teeth. As the wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to emerge, usually in the late teens or early 20s, there may simply not be enough room for them to fully erupt without becoming impacted.
• Misalignment: In some cases, the tooth may be positioned at an incorrect angle, either horizontally, vertically, or angularly, preventing it from erupting properly.
• Overcrowding: If the jaw is already crowded with other teeth, the emerging wisdom tooth may not have enough space to fully erupt.
  Genetics: Some people are simply predisposed to having smaller jaws or impacted teeth due to genetic factors.

Impacted teeth can be classified into several categories based on their position and the degree of impaction:

• Vertical Impaction: The tooth is positioned upright but unable to fully erupt due to lack of space or obstruction by other teeth.
• Mesioangular Impaction: The tooth is angled forward, towards the front of the mouth, making it difficult to erupt.
• Distoangular Impaction: The tooth is angled backward, towards the rear of the mouth, preventing proper eruption.
• Horizontal Impaction: The tooth is positioned horizontally, parallel to the gum line, unable to erupt.

Impacted teeth can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Pain and Swelling: The impacted tooth can put pressure on surrounding teeth and gum tissue, leading to pain, inflammation, and swelling.
• Infection: Bacteria can accumulate around the impacted tooth, leading to the development of an infection, such as pericoronitis.
• Cyst Formation: In some cases, a fluid-filled sac (cyst) can form around the impacted tooth, potentially causing damage to the surrounding bone and teeth.
• Damage to Neighboring Teeth: The impacted tooth can put pressure on and potentially damage the roots or the enamel of the adjacent teeth.
• Difficulty with Oral Hygiene: The partially erupted or impacted tooth can make it challenging to maintain proper oral hygiene, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

The treatment for impacted teeth typically involves the surgical removal (extraction) of the affected tooth. This is usually performed by an oral surgeon or a dentist with specialized training in oral surgery. In some cases, if the impaction is not causing any symptoms or problems, the dentist may recommend monitoring the tooth closely and only intervening if issues arise.

In cases where the impacted tooth is causing significant problems, the dentist may recommend surgical extraction. This involves making an incision in the gum to expose the tooth and then carefully removing the tooth from the jawbone. In some cases, the tooth may need to be sectioned (divided into smaller pieces) to facilitate its removal. After the extraction, the gum is sutured, and the patient is provided with instructions for post-operative care.

It is important to note that the recovery process following the extraction of an impacted tooth may take several days to a week or more, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bleeding, and may be advised to take pain medication and follow a soft diet during the healing period.

Don't let an impacted tooth cause you pain and discomfort. Visit Dr. BestPrice today to find the best treatment option for you.