Tooth impaction is more common than you think. It does not always cause discomfort. Sometimes problems are visible, while at other times your orthodontist finds an impacted tooth only through routine dental X-rays. But you do not need to worry about impacted teeth or other oral health problems when you have solid orthodontic services in Johns Creek, GA.
What is Tooth Impaction?
What is tooth impaction? An impacted tooth is one that’s not fully grown into place in your mouth or a tooth that only partially emerges through your gums.
How a tooth grows into place usually depends on whether it has room to do so and if it is trying to erupt in the right direction. But sometimes people have impacted teeth with no clear reason at all. Tooth impaction can even run in some families, with genetics being to blame.
Tooth impaction sometimes affects how your treatment provider proceeds through other dental services. For example, having an impacted tooth sometimes makes it necessary to remove one or more teeth blocking its eruption. Tooth impaction often causes teeth to grow crooked or overcrowded, problems that metal braces help correct.
Symptoms of Tooth Impaction
Many impacted teeth cause no symptoms at all. Others lead to a range of symptoms, including:
- Swollen, red or bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Foul taste in your mouth
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Pain when opening your mouth
These symptoms can remain steady or come and go over a long period of time.
How Does your Orthodontist Treat Impacted Teeth?
If you have an impacted tooth, your orthodontist uses X-rays and other means to determine if the tooth is a problem. If it is, they discuss possible treatment options. Your orthodontist also talks to you about the risks and benefits of each treatment method.
Generally, three methods or solutions work for impacted teeth. The first is a wait-and-see approach. If you have no symptoms, your orthodontist watches the tooth’s progress over time. This means you do not rush into surgery or other treatment you may not need.
A second option for treatment is the use of eruption aids. These aids include braces and brackets. Another method is the removal of one or more teeth blocking the impacted tooth’s eruption.
When you experience pain and other side effects because of your impacted tooth, surgery is another option. Surgical extraction removes the impacted tooth to prevent continued discomfort, infection and negative effects on other teeth. This surgery takes place in an oral surgeon’s office and only takes about an hour. If you must undergo removal of a permanent tooth, options for tooth replacement include a dental bridge or implant.
Talk to Your Orthodontist About Your Smile
If you suffer symptoms of an impacted tooth, do not wait until your symptoms grow unbearable. See your orthodontist as early as possible. At the same time, you can talk to your treatment provider about teeth straightening and other ways to achieve your most attractive smile. When looking for an orthodontist, find one that provides a range of services, such as:
- Lingual braces
- Invisalign teeth straightening
- Retainers
- TruDenta headache pain treatment
- Two-phase orthodontics
In Johns Creek, GA, visit Ricci Orthodontics. Dr. Steven C. Ricci and his caring team provide all of the orthodontic services you need, including for tooth impaction. Schedule your first visit by calling [Direct].
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