Impacted Teeth: Recognizing Signs, Understanding Symptoms, and Finding Solutions

As our teeth develop and jaws grow and change the alignment of your teeth can become skewed. Some common reasons for this are genetics, poor oral hygiene habits, early baby teeth loss, thumb-sucking malnutrition, and trauma. This typically happens during your younger years, typically early teens through young adulthood, but teeth can become impacted also later in life. 

Signs and Symptoms of Impacted Teeth 

When a tooth becomes impacted, it can be extremely uncomfortable. You might experience a variety of symptoms such as pain, swelling, and infection. These symptoms will occur if the tooth is pushing against other teeth, the gums, or even the jawbone. Impacted teeth can also lead to cysts or tumors in the jawbone. It is important to note that in certain instances, an infected tooth can also release harmful bacteria into the bloodstream, potentially leading to systemic infections. 

How Our Dentists Identify an Impacted Tooth

Sometimes, impacted teeth may be overlooked until a comprehensive examination is performed. At Park Family Dentistry, a thorough check-up and X-rays are performed when you or our dentists may believe that the tooth or teeth are impacted. This is done to assess and identify any issues below the gum line. These X-rays reveal details that are not visible above the gum line and detect any hidden concerns. This highlights the significance of X-rays in ensuring an accurate diagnosis. 

Things to watch out for: 

•  radiating pain and tenderness in gums and jawbone 
•  redness and/or swelling in gums and jawbone 
•  headache or jaw ache 
•  bad breath or unpleasant taste when biting down 
•  infection or an abscess (“bubble” on gums around the base of the tooth, you may see a pinpoint white spot where the infection may drain) 
•  difficulty opening the mouth 
•  swollen lymph nodes 

Will impacted wisdom teeth affect the position of my teeth?

When your tooth fails to emerge properly and becomes impacted, it can disrupt the natural alignment of surrounding teeth. This misalignment often manifests as crookedness, overcrowding, or spacing irregularities in your dental arch. As impacted teeth exert pressure on adjacent ones, they may push them out of their designated positions, causing a domino effect on your entire dental structure. This then can lead to various dental issues such as difficulty chewing, speech problems, and even jaw pain. 

Impacted teeth can come in at different angles including horizontal, vertical, angular, and partial eruptions. The most commonly impacted teeth include canines, molars, premolars, and sometimes even supernumerary (extra teeth) teeth. 

Addressing the issue of misalignment caused by impacted teeth requires your timely intervention and professional guidance from our dentists at Park Family Dentistry to ensure the restoration of a harmonious and functional dental alignment

Treatment Options for Impacted Teeth 

When you are diagnosed with an impacted tooth, specific steps are followed by our dentists to determine the most suitable course of action. The initial step involves observation and monitoring, followed by intervention to aid in natural repositioning, and, if necessary, extraction. Our dentist will carefully adhere to these steps and make well-informed decisions tailored to your needs. 

 The two main treatment options for impacted teeth are extraction and/or orthodontic treatment. Other treatment options may involve spacers (when a baby tooth is removed) to guide the tooth into the proper position. Sometimes arch expanders are also used when the palate needs to be expanded to make more room in the mouth. 

Tooth Extraction

Although tooth extractions are not pleasant to think about, they are a frequent and routine dental procedure. Extractions are performed when it is not possible to safely leave the tooth in place. This must occur when a tooth is no longer healthy to remain in the mouth any longer and to help maintain optimal oral health. 

The most frequent teeth to become impacted and that require extraction are the “wisdom teeth” or our “third molars”. The main reasons include the lack of space for these teeth to come in and the challenge to keep them clean. Trapped food and bacteria can lead to pain, swelling, and infections. Often, these teeth grow sideways or at an angle. Extractions are necessary to uphold good oral health and prevent any impact on neighboring teeth. 

If you suspect you have impacted teeth or experience pain or swelling in your jaw, difficulty opening your mouth, or notice that a tooth is not coming in properly, it is important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Park in Stone Mountain as soon as possible. 

Before the extraction, our dentist will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic to minimize pain and discomfort. In some cases, sedation may also be used to help the patient relax. Once the area is numb, the dentist will use special tools to loosen the tooth and remove it. Remember, these are regular procedures for our dental team, and we will take great care of you. 

After the extraction, our dentist, Dr. Chin Park will provide detailed instructions on how to care for the extraction site to promote healing and prevent infection. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and avoid complications. In most cases, the site will heal within a few days to a week, and you can resume normal activities. 

When impacted teeth become severe, it may be necessary to have them extracted by an oral surgeon. At Park Family Dentistry, we offer comprehensive evaluations and can assist you in determining the optimal oral health plan tailored to your unique needs. 

Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is performed when a tooth or teeth need to be repositioned. This is monitored by our dental team and can be done in our younger years, or even as an adult. Complete examinations are done to determine what is the best treatment for you. 

If a tooth is impacted, one decision may be to remove the tooth. Another safe intervention is to simply open up the area of the impacted tooth and connect a small chain that attaches to the braces. The chain will put tension on the tooth and slowly pull it down into place. This realigns the teeth and guides them into position. Regular appointments are critical to maintaining proper care over time and that it is not being rushed. 

Pain Management for Impacted Teeth

Our dental team will assist in identifying the most suitable treatment for any impacted teeth issues, but to alleviate the pain related to impacted teeth, you can try using an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain reliever such as Ibuprofen or Aspirin. You can also use a warm saltwater rinse (1/2 tsp salt in 1 cup of water) or opt for an alcohol-free mouthwash available over the counter. 

If an infection arises or is diagnosed on a dental X-ray, our dentist in Stone Mountain, Georgia will prescribe an antibiotic to eliminate any infection present near the impacted area. Proper care and instructions will then be discussed to deal with the impacted tooth after antibiotics are completed. 

Important steps to heal: 

• Change the gauze as needed (fold in half and half again). 
• Eat/drink soft, cool foods for 1-2 days. Nothing hot! 
• Avoid sucking motions, such as straws and smoking. 
• Rest - avoid strenuous activity for at least two days. 
• Rinse the area with a saltwater solution 2-3 times a day to keep the area clean. 
• Reduce swelling with an ice pack on the cheek in the affected area. 
• Do not spit or poke at the wound site, this could dislodge the blood clot (dry socket). 
• Take all medications as directed. Our dentist may prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers. 
• Let the area heal, if you have questions, please reach out. We are here to help. 

Reminders For Patients with Impacted Teeth In Stone Mountain, Georgia

You should never ignore a tooth that is impacted. It is not only uncomfortable but can have effects on your smile and overall health. If left unaddressed, an infection or abscesses may form, which can spread throughout the body, leading to additional or more complex complications. 

How Park Family Dentistry Can Help

During your appointment, our dental team will examine your teeth and take X-rays to determine the extent of the impaction. Treatment options may include extraction or referral to an oral surgeon for further evaluation and treatment. Remember, regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help prevent dental problems, including impacted teeth. 

At Park Family Dentistry, we specialize in assessing and treating impacted teeth. Our comprehensive evaluation involves a thorough examination and X-rays to reveal the underlying issues. This information is used by our experienced dental team to formulate a tailored treatment plan that meets your specific needs. With our care, you can confidently return to your daily routine. 

Our dentist, Dr. Park, will create a personalized treatment plan to address the impacted teeth. Extraction may be necessary in some cases to prevent further complications and relieve discomfort. 

Alternatively, repositioning the impacted teeth through orthodontic methods can help improve your dental alignment and maintain proper oral health. Regular check-ups and follow-up appointments will be essential to monitor the progress and ensure the success of the chosen treatment approach. Remember, taking proactive steps toward managing impacted teeth is vital for your dental health and overall well-being. 

If you have any questions or concerns, our dental practice in Stone Mountain, Georgia is here to help you. We will conduct a thorough examination and establish the best quality of care for you to guide you back to good oral health.