The symptoms of tooth impaction can vary depending on the severity of the impaction and the location of the tooth. Some common symptoms include:
* Pain and swelling in the gums
* Difficulty chewing or biting
* Bad breath
* A visible lump in the gum
* Crooked or crowded teeth
* A change in the bite
In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all, especially if the impacted tooth is located deep in the jawbone.
Causes of tooth impaction
The most common cause of tooth impaction is lack of space in the jaw. This is especially common for wisdom teeth, which are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth. Other causes of tooth impaction include:
1. Crowding of other teeth
2. Abnormal tooth growth
3. Extra teeth
4. Birth defects
5. Injuries to the jaw or face
6. Certain medical conditions, such as Paget's disease and cleidocranial dysplasia
Diagnosing tooth impaction
Tooth impaction is typically diagnosed during routine dental checkups and X-rays. However, impacted teeth that are located deep in the jawbone may not be visible on X-rays. In these cases, the dentist may order additional imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI.
Treating tooth impaction
The treatment for tooth impaction is usually decided upon on the severity of the impaction and the location of the tooth. If the impaction is minor and the tooth is likely to erupt on its own, the dentist may simply monitor the tooth.
However, if the impaction is more severe or if the tooth is not likely to erupt on its own, the dentist may recommend surgery to remove the impacted tooth.
Surgery for tooth impaction
Surgery to remove an impacted tooth is typically performed by an oral surgeon. The surgery can be done under local anesthesia, sedation, or nitrous oxide gas, depending on the complexity of the case and the patient's preferences.
For the procedure, the oral surgeon will make a surgically precise small cut in the gum and remove the tooth that is affected. In some cases, the oral surgeon may also need to move other materials from the gum to access the impacted tooth–like bone or tissue..
After the tooth is removed, the oral surgeon will stitch the gum closed. The patient will be given instructions on how to care for the incision site and manage their pain.
Recovery from tooth impaction surgery
Patients often recover from tooth impaction surgery within several days. Iit is important to follow your oral surgeon's instructions carefully to promote speedy recovery and prevent complications.
Some common recovery tips include:
* Taking pain medication as prescribed
* Applying ice to the area to reduce swelling
* Eating mushy and easy to chew foods
* Avoiding chewing on the side of the mouth where the tooth was removed
* Brushing and flossing gently around the extraction site
* If you experience any problems after tooth impaction surgery, such as severe pain, bleeding, or fever, contact your oral surgeon immediately.
Complications of tooth impaction
If tooth impaction is not treated, it can lead to a number of complications, including:
* Infection
* Damage to nearby teeth
* Jawbone loss
* Cysts
* Bad breath
* Difficulty chewing
* Pain when opening the mouth
Tooth impaction is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. If you have any concerns about tooth impaction, talk to your dentist. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent complications and protect your overall oral health.