Most people have heard of impacted teeth in conjunction with wisdom teeth extraction. But other teeth can become impacted, too. In some cases, this can cause severe discomfort and other oral health complications. But other times, patients don’t experience any symptoms at all! Depending on the cause and location of the impacted teeth, your dentist may recommend one of several treatment options.
Dr. Chris Tye prides himself on his compassionate care and honest treatment recommendations. He will never suggest an unnecessary extraction. Nonetheless, if surgery is required, you will receive top-quality care at Texas Oral Surgery Specialists in Colleyville, TX. With degrees in both medicine and dentistry, the use of the latest technology, and a commitment to state-of-the-art techniques, Dr. Tye can perform quick, comfortable surgery.
Contact us to learn more about impacted teeth and to find out the right treatment for you.
What causes impacted teeth?
Impacted teeth are those that do not come in or do not come in all the way. Wisdom teeth are the most likely to be impacted. 98% of all impacted teeth cases involve wisdom teeth. Most impacted teeth are the result of overcrowding. Teeth simply don’t have the space to erupt fully.
How are impacted teeth diagnosed?
In some cases, tooth impaction will be diagnosed based partially on your symptoms. These can include:
- Gum pain and redness
- Pain with chewing
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Chronic bad breath
- A bad taste when you bite down
- Swollen lymph nodes (this is relatively uncommon)
- A space where a tooth should have come in but has not yet emerged
If a tooth remains fully trapped under the gums, you may not experience any symptoms. An x-ray or other imaging will be the only way to get an accurate diagnosis.
Are there any risks associated with tooth impaction?
In addition to the significant discomfort, impacted teeth can raise your risk of oral health complications. For instance, impacted teeth are harder to clean, so you may have a higher likelihood of developing cavities. The gums can also become infected, and an abscess may develop. And one of the most common long-term risks of impacted teeth is dental misalignment. The trapped tooth can push against the nearby teeth, causing your entire dental arch to shift.
Will I definitely need surgery?
Tooth extraction is certainly one of the most common treatments for impacted teeth. Dr. Tye will need to remove the gum or bone tissue surrounding the tooth before removing the tooth itself. With highly effective local anesthesia and sedation, if needed, you should experience little discomfort.
But if you have an impacted tooth that is not a wisdom tooth, you may benefit from orthodontic treatment. After surgery to expose the tooth, braces or another orthodontic appliance can help guide it into position.
If your impacted tooth is not causing any symptoms, your dentist may advise a “wait and see” approach. This recommendation is unlikely, however, if there is a high chance of tooth decay in the area.
Contact Texas Oral Surgery Specialists
If you have impacted teeth and are wondering about your treatment options, contact Texas Oral Surgery Specialists today. Send us a message via our website or call (817) 552-3223.
Located in Colleyville, we serve patients from around the Fort Worth area, including Grapevine, Southlake, and Bedford.
