Impacted Tooth Treatments & Definition

Tooth impaction is a dental condition where a tooth fails to fully break through the gum line.

This typically occurs because of insufficient space in the dental arch or an obstruction in the tooth's eruption path.

Impaction most commonly affects wisdom teeth, as they are the last to erupt.

However, other teeth can also be affected, particularly the upper canines and lower premolars.

Early detection is crucial, as untreated impaction can lead to pain, infection, cyst formation, damage to neighbouring teeth, and malalignment.

In some cases, you may not experience any symptoms.

This is why regular dental checkups are vital for catching impaction before it becomes a bigger problem.

What Is An Impacted Tooth?

"An impacted tooth is a tooth that cannot erupt properly and becomes stuck beneath the gum tissue or jawbone."

Dr. Joyti Vasudev

Normally, teeth move from where they first develop to a functional position in the mouth.

When there isn't enough space or the route is blocked, the tooth may remain trapped and become impacted.

Some impacted teeth cause pain, swelling, and infection.

Others are completely asymptomatic and are only detected during routine dental checkups.

Types Of Impacted Teeth

The main types of impacted teeth include:

• Soft tissue impaction: The tooth is covered only by gum tissue.

• Partial bony impaction: Part of the tooth is trapped in the jawbone.

• Complete bony impaction: The tooth is fully embedded in bone.

• Painful vs non-painful: Depending on whether or not the patient displays symptoms.

Wisdom teeth are the most likely to become impacted, as they erupt last and often lack sufficient space in the jaw.

However, upper canine teeth, upper incisors, and lower premolars are also frequently affected by impaction.

What Causes An Impacted Tooth?

The cause of an impacted tooth can be multi-factorial.

Some of the most common contributing factors include:

• Lack of space in the jaw

• Dental crowding that blocks the eruption path

• Baby teeth that don't fall out at the correct time

• Extra teeth (supernumerary teeth)

• Cysts or enlarged follicles around developing teeth

• Dental trauma or abnormal tooth shape

• Underlying medical conditions or hormonal issues

Genetics can also influence the likelihood of impaction.

This is because jaw size, tooth size, eruption timing, and tooth positioning are all partly influenced by genetics.

Symptoms Of An Impacted Tooth

"Symptoms can vary depending on the position of the tooth and the presence of complications. In many cases, impactions are asymptomatic and are discovered during dental checkups."

Dr. Joyti Vasudev

When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Jaw pain or discomfort

• Tenderness when chewing

• Swollen or red gums

• Unpleasant taste in your mouth

• Difficulty opening your mouth

• Shifting or crowding in the neighbouring teeth

• Retained baby teeth

• Changes in tooth alignment

Warning signs of impacted wisdom teeth include swelling at the back of the jaw, bad breath, and mouth pain.

Impacted Teeth Treatment

Treatment depends on the patient's age, the affected tooth, and the symptoms the patient experiences.

Typical management options include:

• Observation: Monitoring through X-rays, if there aren't any symptoms.

• Medications: Painkillers and antibiotics are often prescribed for infections.

• Surgical extraction: The most common treatment for impacted wisdom teeth.

• Orthodontic treatment: Braces are sometimes needed for impacted canines.

Recovering from impacted tooth removal usually takes one to two weeks.

That said, not all impacted teeth need to be removed.

Some can be safely monitored if they are unlikely to cause problems.

How Serious Is An Impacted Tooth?

Impacted teeth can range from mild to more serious, depending on their position and potential complications. If you don't remove an impacted tooth, it could lead to:

• Gum infections

• Cyst formations

• Damage to adjacent teeth

• Tooth decay around partially erupted teeth

• Crowding or shifting of nearby teeth

What Can I Expect if I Have an Impacted Tooth?

If your dentist suspects you have an impacted tooth, they will usually perform a dental examination and take X-rays.

Depending on the results, the following may be recommended:

• Monitoring over time

• Orthodontic treatment

• Oral surgery or tooth extraction

The type of tooth, number of teeth involved, and associated symptoms will determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

If your case is more complex, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon who specialises in impacted teeth.