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How do I Know if I Have Impacted Teeth?
Dental issues can present a variety of symptoms, and knowing what to look for can help you determine when to schedule a visit with a dental specialist. The team at Cannon Oral Surgery in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is happy to share some information with you on how to determine if you have an impacted tooth. Of course, we’re also happy to perform a diagnostic assessment to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.
What are impacted teeth, and why are they such a big problem?
A portion of your teeth (the roots) is always supposed to remain beneath your gum tissue. But a portion of each tooth (the crowns) is intended to emerge through your gums so they can work to break down food before it moves forward in your digestive system.
Sometimes the crown portion of a tooth cannot break through the gums and remains trapped. In other instances, the entire tooth remains embedded in your jawbone. It’s also possible for some of the crown to come through, but not all. Any of these examples is referred to as “impacted” teeth.
Sometimes an impacted tooth doesn’t cause any issues and can remain in place without treatment. Often, however, impacted teeth can lead to the following:
- Cavities
- Abscess
- Malocclusion (improper bite)
- Cysts
- Nerve damage
- Gum disease
All of these problems can be corrected with dental treatments, but the best approach is to prevent them from developing in the first place.
What are some signs I might have an impacted tooth?
If one or more of your teeth are impacted, here are some of the symptoms that could develop:
- Red gums
- Swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Bleeding gums
These symptoms can come and go over time, or persist and grow worse. Coming in for treatment as soon as symptoms develop is important, as waiting can increase your risk of gum disease, infection, or cavities.
What are the treatment options for impacted teeth?
Your treatment path depends on several factors, including your symptoms, the exact location of the tooth, and any future orthodontic plans. In some cases, taking a “wait-and-see” approach is all that’s needed. Dr. Cannon will simply check your teeth during your routine dental exams to see if any problems develop.
Children and teens with impacted canine teeth might benefit from eruption aids, devices that help an impacted tooth erupt normally.
In some cases, surgical extraction is the best possible course of action. This is how impacted wisdom teeth are removed. The procedure is done using anesthesia and numbing medication, so you remain comfortable throughout.
Recovering from impacted tooth removal is not as complicated as you might believe. Your gums are among the fastest-healing tissue types in your body, and you’ll feel better in a very short period of time after your procedure.
If you’re concerned about symptoms of impacted teeth in yourself or a loved one, you’re not alone. We are here to offer professional, compassionate diagnostic and treatment services for all types of impacted teeth.
Just reach out to our office online or give us a call to find a time that works best for you. The entire Cannon Oral Surgery team is here to help you find lasting relief from symptoms and restore optimal dental health.