What is an Impacted Tooth?
If you’ve ever had wisdom teeth or know someone who has, you’ve likely heard the term “impacted tooth.” While wisdom teeth are the most commonly impacted teeth in teenagers and young adults, other permanent teeth can be impacted too. But what exactly does “impacted” mean, and how can it be treated? At Spectrum Dental Arts in Ontario, CA, we provide effective solutions to treat impacted teeth.
What Does “Impacted Tooth” Mean?
An “impacted” tooth refers to a tooth that is unable to erupt properly due to obstruction. The tooth might be blocked by another tooth, growing in the wrong direction, or erupting in the wrong spot. Treatment depends on the type and location of the impacted tooth (American Dental Association, 2021).
Impacted Teeth from Baby Teeth to Permanent Teeth
In children, when a baby tooth falls out, a permanent tooth typically emerges right behind it. However, sometimes a baby tooth refuses to loosen, and the permanent tooth begins to erupt behind it. In such cases, a simple extraction of the baby tooth can allow the permanent tooth to take its rightful place (Mayo Clinic, 2020).
More complex situations arise when upper teeth are impacted due to a lack of space in the mouth. To help, a palatal expander can widen the upper jaw gradually, allowing permanent teeth to emerge properly without overcrowding (American Association of Orthodontists, 2022).
Occasionally, a tooth such as the canine may fail to erupt, requiring oral surgery to uncover it. Afterward, orthodontic treatment can guide the tooth into its proper position (National Institutes of Health, 2019).
The Importance of Treating Impacted Teeth
Impact teeth can lead to serious issues if left untreated. Without treatment, impacted teeth may not erupt at all, erupt in the wrong place, or damage surrounding teeth. Impacted teeth can also cause eating difficulties, pain, and even lead to tooth decay or infection (American Dental Association, 2021).
Wisdom Teeth and Impact
Wisdom teeth are commonly impacted because there’s often not enough room in the jaw. When wisdom teeth are fully impacted (still embedded in the jaw), they may not cause issues immediately. However, if they lead to complications like cysts or infections, extraction is recommended (American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 2022).
Partially erupted wisdom teeth can also be problematic. These teeth often trap food and bacteria, leading to decay or gum infections. In these cases, extraction is often the best option (Mayo Clinic, 2020).
Early Intervention is Key
The term “impacted” comes from the Latin root meaning “pushed against,” which perfectly describes the effect impacted teeth have on dental health. The sooner impacted teeth are identified, the easier it is to treat them.
At Spectrum Dental Arts in Ontario, CA, we recommend regular dental exams and X-rays to monitor tooth development and detect potential issues before they become more serious. By age seven, we may suggest an orthodontic evaluation to identify any early signs of issues with tooth eruption (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, 2021).
Early intervention helps prevent problems from escalating. If you or your child are dealing with impacted teeth, a visit to our office can ensure you receive the care needed for a healthy, beautiful smile.
For expert care and treatment of impacted teeth in Ontario, CA, contact Spectrum Dental Arts today to schedule your consultation and get your smile back on track!
Sources:
American Dental Association
➤ Wisdom Teeth
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/wisdom-teeth
→ Overview of what wisdom teeth are, common issues, and when extraction is needed, from the ADA’s consumer site.HealthPartners Dental
➤ Impacted Tooth: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/impacted-tooth/
→ Plain-language explanation of what an impacted tooth is, how it’s treated, and what symptoms to look for.American Association of Orthodontists
➤ Impacted Teeth: How Orthodontics Can Help
https://www.aaoinfo.org/blog/impacted-teeth-how-orthodontics-can-help/
→ Focuses on orthodontic solutions for impacted teeth, including the importance of early diagnosis.National Institutes of Health
➤ Oral Health Topics – Tooth Impaction
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4469898/
→ Peer-reviewed article discussing tooth impaction and treatment strategies, hosted by the NIH’s PubMed Central.American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
➤ Wisdom Teeth
https://myoms.org/what-we-do/wisdom-teeth-management
→ Information from oral surgery specialists about when and why wisdom teeth should be removed.American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
➤ Guideline on Management of the Developing Dentition and Occlusion in Pediatric Dentistry
https://www.aapd.org/research/oral-health-policies recommendations/management-of-the-developing-dentition-and-occlusion-in-pediatric-dentistry/
→ Covers pediatric dental concerns, including early intervention for impacted or erupting teeth.