What Are Impacted Teeth? And Why They Are Problematic
Impacted teeth are not just a dental inconvenience; they can significantly affect your oral health and cause pain and distress. In this blog post, we will explore impacted teeth in detail, including their causes, symptoms, and potential problems if left untreated.
At The Bristol Dental Practice, our team has the knowledge and skills to address your dental concerns, including the complexities of impacted teeth and their removal. If you are suffering from tooth pain or any of the symptoms mentioned below, please reach out to our Bristol dental practice today. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to provide you with the care you need.
What are Impacted Teeth?
Impacted teeth are teeth that are unable to fully erupt through the gums and into their proper position in the dental arch. Wisdom teeth (third molars) are commonly impacted due to being the last set of teeth to erupt, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. Other teeth can also become affected for various reasons.
Causes of Impacted Teeth
Several factors contribute to teeth becoming impacted:
1) Lack of Space: Sometimes, the jaw doesn’t have enough room for the tooth to grow properly.
2) Irregular Growth: The tooth may grow at an angle towards another tooth or sideways instead of straight up through the gum.
3) Overcrowding: When there are too many teeth in the mouth, it can prevent proper eruption of all teeth.
Types of Impaction
There are different types of tooth impaction based on the angle and position of the impacted tooth relative to the adjacent teeth:
1) Mesial Impaction: The tooth is angled towards the front of the mouth, towards the adjacent tooth.
2) Vertical Impaction: The tooth is angled normally but cannot erupt fully through the gum due to lack of space.
3) Horizontal Impaction: The tooth is positioned horizontally within the jawbone, pushing against the roots of the adjacent tooth.
4) Distal Impaction: The tooth is angled towards the back of the mouth, away from the adjacent tooth.
Symptoms of Impacted Teeth
Early detection of impacted teeth is essential to prevent oral health problems and to protect surrounding teeth. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness near the affected area.
- Swelling around the gum line.
- Difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing.
- Unpleasant taste or odour caused by infection.
Why Impacted Teeth Are Problematic
Ignoring impacted teeth can lead to several complications:
1) Infection: Impacted teeth are prone to infections because they can trap food particles and bacteria, leading to gum disease (periodontitis) or tooth decay.
2) Pericoronitis: Pericoronitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the soft tissues surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth. It occurs when bacteria accumulates in the space between the tooth and the gum flap covering it, leading to infection and inflammation.
3) Damage to Surrounding Teeth: Impacted teeth can push against neighbouring teeth, causing crowding, misalignment, or damage to adjacent teeth.
4) Cysts or Tumours: In some cases, impacted teeth can form cysts or tumours, which may require more extensive surgical procedures for removal.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Bristol
The most routine solution for impacted wisdom teeth is extraction. Wisdom teeth are no longer necessary for modern humans and can often cause problems. Therefore, it is best to remove them if they are causing any issues.
Wisdom teeth removal is a straightforward procedure that is typically advised to prevent potential problems such as infections, pain, and damage to neighbouring teeth. We will evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and recommend extraction if necessary to benefit your oral health.
See more about our wisdom teeth removal services in Bristol. We also offer sedation for wisdom teeth removal to help our patients feel relaxed and make the process more comfortable.
Preventing Impacted Teeth
While not all cases of impacted teeth can be prevented, there are steps you can take to minimise the risk:
- Regular Dental Visits: Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and X-rays to monitor the growth and development of your teeth.
- Orthodontic Evaluation: If your dentist recommends orthodontic treatment to address overcrowding or misalignment, follow their advice to create space for proper tooth eruption.
- Early Intervention: If you suspect your child may have crowded teeth, consult with an orthodontist early to discuss potential treatment options.
What to Do If You Have an Impacted Tooth
If you suspect you have an impacted tooth or are experiencing symptoms such as pain, swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth, take the following steps:
1) Consult Your Dentist: Schedule an appointment with our dental practice in Bristol for a thorough examination and diagnosis.
2) Follow Treatment Recommendations: Depending on the severity of the impaction, we may recommend monitoring, a course of antibiotics, extraction, or other treatment options. In cases where extraction is necessary for a non-wisdom tooth, we will also discuss replacement options with you to restore function and aesthetics.
3) Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Keep up good oral hygiene habits to reduce the risk of infection and maintain overall oral health.
Conclusion
Understanding impacted teeth and recognising the signs and symptoms can help you avoid potential complications and maintain a healthy smile.
When dealing with impacted teeth, it is uncommon for the issue to resolve on its own. Although there may be temporary relief from pain, it typically recurs as the affected tooth persists in its improper position. If you suspect you have impacted teeth or are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, please don’t suffer in silence; reach out to our team.
Early intervention can prevent more significant problems down the road and ensure a healthy, pain-free smile.
Call us: 0117 910 5929
Our Address: 1 Queen Square, Bristol BS1 4JQ