WHAT IS THE MEANING OF IMPACTED TOOTH?
When a tooth is stuck inside the jaws and is not able to come out through the gums normally it is called an impacted tooth.
WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR TOOTH GETTING IMPACTED?
- Small jaw size:
- As a part of the evolutionary process, our jaw sizes are getting smaller and hence most of our wisdom teeth are getting impacted.
- Early loss of baby teeth:
- This will result in overcrowding of the permanent erupting teeth and not enough space may be left behind for the tooth to come out normally.
- Displacement of a tooth:
- When a tooth emerges at an odd position, it may not be possible for it to come out fully.
- Hereditary:
- There are genetic reasons such as Cleidocranial dysplasia, Gardner’s syndrome which shows the presence of several impacted teeth.
WHICH ARE THE TEETH THAT COMMONLY GET IMPACTED?
- Third molars or wisdom teeth are the most common.
- Canines are the second most common teeth to get impacted.
- Any teeth can get impacted in your mouth.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF IMPACTED TEETH?
- Redness or swollen gums around the impacted tooth
- Bleeding gums
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Swelling in the jaw
- Jaw pain
- Radiating pain from the jaw to the ears
- Chronic headache
- Bad breath and bad taste in the mouth
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE AN IMPACTED TOOTH?
- Generally, extraction is advised in case of wisdom tooth.
- If canines or any other teeth was impacted and were in a favourable position to be pulled onto the jaw, braces or orthodontic treatment will be helpful.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I LEAVE THE IMPACTED TOOTH AS IT IS?
- Infection
- Cyst formation
- Abscess formation
- Bone loss
- Damage to the next tooth
- Food lodgement, plaque build-up and cavities.
HOW CAN I IDENTIFY AN IMPACTED TOOTH?
- Clinical examination: Swelling will be present inside the mouth.
- X-Rays: A panoramic view X-ray will help us to identify any impacted tooth.
- CBCT: This type of CT-Scan will help us to identify the exact position of the impacted tooth.
If you are experiencing any signs of an impacted tooth, contact our front-desk for an appointment with Dr. Anitha Alageshan at Zen Dental and Health Care.
For appointments, call us at: 080-48655431
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