Tooth Impaction

 



 Impacted teeth are the teeth that stay embedded in the gum tissue or the bone longer than they should. A tooth can be partially or completely impacted.

Causes : Overcrowding of the teeth is usually the issue. Wisdom teeth also get impacted if they come in at a twisted angle or shift. One may be at risk of impacted tooth because of genetics or from not getting proper orthodontic treatment in time.

Teeth most often impacted: Wisdom teeth (third molars) which are usually the last teeth grow in between 17-21 years of age typically gets impacted. Second most common teeth to get impacted are the maxillary canines or referred as cuspids. Further any teeth can get impacted for some reasons.

Signs of tooth impaction: Some people never experience any discomfort from impacted teeth. Most of the times dentists identify and track the progression of impacted teeth and they look for things like :

 1. Wisdom tooth that are out of position which could leave room for food to be trapped enabling                                           the growth of bacteria.

 2. Wisdom tooth that come through gum line incorrectly.

 3. Partially erupted wisdom tooth.

4. Lack of space for wisdom tooth.

5. The development of a cyst, which can block the tooth from eruption. This may eventually damage the bone supporting the teeth.

Tooth impactions can lead to symptoms like :

1. Redness and swelling in the gums.

2. Bad breath.

3. Pain and tenderness in the gums or jaw.

4. Problem while opening the mouth.

5. Headaches.

6. Tooth decay.

7. Alignment problems with the teeth.

8. Gingivitis.

Treatment : Dentists generally prescribe radiographs to investigate the severity of impaction. The dentist may recommend tooth extraction surgery if the impacted tooth is affecting other tooth. The surgery is usually done under local anesthesia. It is done as an out patient procedure and can go home on the same day of the surgery. Recovery may take 7-10 days.

Post surgery complications include :

- Swelling and discomfort in the gum and the tooth socket at the site of surgery.

- Continuous bleeding for 24 hours.

- Potential damage to existing dental work like bridges or the roots of neighboring teeth.

- An opening appearing in the sinus cavity due to removal of the impacted teeth.

- Slow healing of the gums.

 - Feeling of discomfort while opening the mouth.

- Dry socket.

Consult the dentist if there are any.

About the author:

Name: Dr. Abhilash Dandy

Qualification: B.D.S

I graduated as a Dentist from Sibar Institute of Dental Sciences, Guntur. I have done my externship program at Rutgers school of dental medicine, New Jersey, USA. I have clinical experience of 3 years and currently working as Administrative head — Dental wing in MediCub India, Hyderabad.

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