In a perfect world, as we lose our baby teeth, a shiny, healthy permanent tooth is waiting in the wings to erupt and add to our stunning smile. Additionally, in this dental Utopia, all of our molars come in strong and straight, including the third set of molars otherwise known as our wisdom teeth.
But, life isn’t perfect, and for many of us, our dental development isn’t either. Many people experience the inconvenience and sometimes the pain of an impacted tooth. A tooth which doesn’t correctly erupt through the gum line is referred to as an impacted tooth, or sometimes called an unerupted tooth.
Causes
Wisdom teeth which are also known as the third set of molars and are the most likely teeth to be impacted. Some estimates say that up to 85% of adults have their impacted wisdom teeth removed. Generally speaking, these teeth are impacted because the human jaw has evolved to the point where it is too small to host 32 teeth comfortably.
Next, to wisdom teeth, eye teeth or bicuspids are the most likely teeth to become impacted.
Both baby teeth and permanent teeth are subject to being impacted because the jaw is misaligned and the teeth come in crooked or are crowded out by neighboring teeth.
Symptoms
Impacted teeth may cause pain and inflammation. Just because pain is absent, however, doesn’t mean trouble isn’t brewing. An impacted tooth is a potential breeding ground for bacteria. This buildup of bacteria causes bad breath and possible gum diseases such as periodontitis or gingivitis. Untreated, gum disease potentially results in tooth loss, and sometimes heart disease and other health problems.
Additionally, impacted teeth also cause decay in adjacent healthy teeth and may contribute to forming cysts in the gum line.
In the case of children, if there is no sign of a permanent tooth erupting after the loss of a baby tooth that could also mean an impacted tooth. Impacted permanent teeth in children is especially true of kids who have a small mouth or jawline.
Treatment
Children with permanent impacted teeth should find themselves at the orthodontist. Preparations including removing teeth which are causing overcrowding take place to prepare for braces and allowing room for the impacted teeth to emerge.
For adults with impacted wisdom teeth or other impacted teeth, steps are necessary to have the impacted teeth removed.
If you suspect you may have an impacted tooth, the first thing to do is make an appointment with your dentist. The dentist will do an examination complete with an x-ray to determine where the tooth is and what level of surgery is required.
If the wisdom teeth are deeply impacted, the oral surgeon may use general anesthesia, and a hospital stay is often required. If the teeth do not appear severely impacted the surgery is performed under a local anesthetic in the doctor’s office.
In most cases, after the incision is made the tooth is removed, the surgical site sutured, and dissolvable stitches applied.
Extracting teeth without removal
It makes sense to remove impacted wisdom teeth. Even wisdom teeth which entirely erupt are magnets for plaque and bacteria. Dental hygiene is particularly tricky with wisdom teeth since they are so far back in the mouth. They mostly serve no purpose for chewing or appearances.
Other teeth which may be impacted such as the bicuspid or eye tooth are essential. For these circumstances, there is a more complicated surgery that lodges the impacted tooth into the proper position. In this procedure the gum is pulled back to expose the tooth, an orthodontic bracket then bonds to the crown of the tooth. A miniature chain guides the tooth into the proper position.
Sometimes the extraction process requires preparations such as braces to make room for the tooth to erupt. This operation is usually done in the orthodontic clinic near me and does require to follow up checkups and procedures.
The candidate’s age and health determine if they are right for the type of surgery which guides the impacted tooth into place. The surgeon ascertains through an examination and x-rays if the operation is in the individual’s best interest.
Aftercare
Any oral surgery comes with discomfort which may include pain, swelling, and some bleeding. It is essential to keep the area clean and rinse the mouth with salt water. Pain is usually controlled with Ibuprofen which may also help to reduce swelling.
It is normal for pain to increase after a few days as part of the healing crisis. However, if the pain becomes severe or there are signs of infection such as redness and increased swelling, notify your doctor immediately. Our teeth are necessary for chewing and eating, but also a vital part of our appearance and self-confidence.
Contact King of Prussia Periodontics and Dental Implants
King of Prussia Periodontics and Dental Implants in King of Prussia Pennsylvania has a superbly qualified team to care for all your periodontics and orthodontic concerns. Both Dr. Cruz and Dr. Nejadi are highly regarded in their field. Dr. Cruz is a member of The American Academy of Periodontists, and Dr. Nejadi served as the Director of Predoctoral Periodontics at the University of Pennsylvania from 2013 to 2015.
Your health and self-esteem are essential. Visit King of Prussia for a consultation today.
Pinstripe Magazine Staff
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