Expert Guide to Understanding and Treating Impacted Teeth
If you’re experiencing discomfort in your gums or unusual dental symptoms, you might be dealing with an impacted tooth. Understanding this condition is the first step toward seeking appropriate dental care. An impacted tooth occurs when a tooth grows incorrectly, emerging sideways, crooked, or not emerging at all.
This guide explores the types of impacted wisdom teeth, common symptoms, and the available treatment options. For personalized care, California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 can provide the expert dental services you need.
What is an Impacted Tooth?
An impacted tooth is a dental condition where a tooth doesn’t grow in properly. This issue can arise at any age, but it’s most common when permanent teeth replace baby teeth. If a baby tooth doesn’t fall out in time, the emerging permanent tooth can become trapped in the gum. Wisdom teeth, which are the last to grow and usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25, are particularly prone to becoming impacted due to crowding or their late arrival in the mouth.
Types of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
There are four common types of wisdom tooth impactions, each classified based on their orientation in the mouth:
- Full Bone Impact: The wisdom tooth is completely stuck in the jawbone.
- Partial Bone Impact: Here, the wisdom tooth is partially lodged in the jaw.
- Soft Tissue Impact: This type causes the wisdom tooth to get stuck beneath the gum.
- Erupted Wisdom Tooth: In this case, the tooth is partially exposed through the gum.
Recognizing the Symptoms of an Impacted Tooth
The symptoms of an impacted tooth can vary, but some common indicators include excessive swelling or tenderness in the gums and persistent headaches, often resulting from toothache. In some cases, the discomfort can extend to the point where opening your mouth becomes difficult. While these symptoms can indicate other dental issues, they often point to an impacted tooth. It’s crucial to visit a dentist for a professional diagnosis instead of self-assessing your condition.
Exploring Treatment Options for Tooth Impaction
Treatment for an impacted tooth is highly individualized, as each case presents uniquely. After performing an X-ray to ascertain the type of impaction, your dentist will tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs. This plan may include surgical extraction for fully impacted teeth, simple extraction for partially surfaced teeth, or orthodontic treatment to align the teeth properly. The encouraging news is that impacted teeth are very treatable.
Seek Professional Dental Care
Dealing with an impacted tooth requires professional intervention. At California Dental Group, the team of specialized dental professionals is equipped to handle such conditions with precision and care. Don’t let the discomfort of an impacted tooth disrupt your life. Call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards resolving your dental concerns.
