Tooth Impaction: Symptoms and Treatments
An impacted tooth is an anatomically properly developed tooth that is stuck in the jawbone and has not erupted above the gum surface. Most often, this problem affects the third molars, i.e., wisdom teeth. However, sometimes it also appears in the case of premolars and canines, and very occasionally the first and second molars can also get stuck under the gum surface.
Impacted tooth – what can be the causes?
Most often, an impacted tooth occurs when there is not enough space in the dental arch, so the tooth cannot erupt properly. The cause may be the structure of the jaw or the late loss of a milk tooth, which prevents the permanent tooth from breaking through the gum.
Tooth impaction often occurs due to jaw injuries, hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies (especially A and D), as well as incorrect dental treatment in the past. This is why regular visits to the dentist's office are so important. Thanks to this, the dentist will be able to notice in due time that the patient may have a problem with an impacted tooth.
Impacted tooth – symptoms
The main symptoms of an impacted tooth are:
- Visible missing tooth (except for wisdom teeth),
- incorrect bite,
- periodontal disease of the tooth adjacent to the impacted tooth,
- caries of a partially impacted tooth,
- chronic pain,
- inflammation of the gum above the impacted tooth,
- trismus and/or difficulty opening the mouth.
Impacted tooth – treatment
Treatment of an impacted tooth depends on its location and condition as well as the patient's overall health. If an impacted tooth does not cause any symptoms and does not affect neighboring teeth, it often does not require any treatment. In such a case, it is only recommended that the condition of the tooth be regularly monitored by a dentist.
If an impacted tooth is causing pain, infection, or is interfering with the growth of other teeth, it may need to be surgically removed. The procedure to remove an impacted tooth is usually performed by an oral surgeon or orthodontist and involves making an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth and remove it from the bone.
In some cases, if the impacted tooth is not embedded too deeply in the bone and has good root structure, it can be moved using orthodontic appliances. In such a case, it is recommended to consult an orthodontist who will decide on the best method of treatment. After the removal of an impacted tooth, it is recommended to follow oral hygiene recommendations to prevent infections and increase the speed of wound healing.
Impacted tooth and orthodontic appliances
An impacted tooth may result in the need for orthodontic braces. Orthodontic braces are often used to help realign teeth and improve bite patterns. In the case of an impacted tooth , orthodontic braces can help move adjacent teeth to fill the gap left by the impacted tooth or create enough space for it to grow in the appropriate direction.
In some cases, impacted teeth can be surgically moved to the correct position in the mouth, after which orthodontic appliances may be required to maintain the new tooth position.
The use of orthodontic appliances in the case of an impacted tooth depends on individual circumstances, and the decision on the need and type of treatment should be made by a dentist or orthodontist after a thorough examination of the patient.