If a tooth does not emerge or only partially emerges, it is considered to be impacted. This dental problem is most common with wisdom teeth, which are also known as the third set of molars. Wisdom teeth are the last to erupt, usually between ages 17 and 21.
While some impacted teeth can be maintained with treatment, others may require tooth extraction in order to preserve oral health and prevent potentially serious complications. If you do require a tooth extraction, you can trust Dr. Julie Glud to provide you with comfortable care. If you have one or more impacted teeth, read on to learn more about your treatment options at Dental Care of Lombard, in Lombard, IL.
Symptoms of Impacted Teeth
It is important to remember that an impacted tooth does not always cause symptoms. Due to the nature of impacted teeth, they are far more prone to becoming infected, which can lead to a host of dental problems. An infected tooth can lead to:
- Jaw pain
- Tender gums
- Swollen gums
- Red gums
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- An odd taste in the mouth
- Bad breath
Impacted teeth can cause complications, such as:
- Damage to neighboring teeth: Impacted teeth often fail to emerge due to teeth crowding. A partially emerged tooth can push on neighboring teeth, increasing the risk for decay or infection to spread to healthy neighboring teeth. Impacted teeth can also cause crowding that can reverse the results of orthodontic treatments. This is one reason that Dr. Glud may recommend wisdom tooth extraction before patients undergo orthodontic treatments.
- Cysts: A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms within the jawbone, often near wisdom teeth. This dental problem often requires oral surgery and the removal of tissue and bone.
- Tooth decay: Studies have found that partially impacted wisdom teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay than other teeth. Wisdom teeth are harder to clean, and bacteria and food can easily become trapped between the gum and an impacted tooth.
What Are My Treatment Options?
Before Dr. Glud can treat your impacted tooth, you will need to undergo an oral examination at our Lombard dental practice. Your exam may include x-rays, digital images, a physical exam, and review of your medical history. Once Dr. Glud has a thorough understanding of your impacted teeth, she may recommend maintenance or surgical removal. Some wisdom teeth fully emerge without causing dental crowding.
A tooth that has not emerged or partially emerged will likely require extraction. Tooth extractions are far more comfortable than many people imagine, and the straightforward procedure can prevent dental problems in the future. Our office offers sedation dentistry to make your experience more comfortable. Following your tooth extraction, you will need to be driven home by a family member or friend. Gauze will be placed over your extraction area, and you will be provided with fresh gauze that is to be changed periodically.
While you recover, we recommend limiting your diet to soft foods and avoiding activities that can loosen sutures or slow clotting.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Impacted teeth are very common. Once you have recovered from your extraction procedure, you can enjoy the benefits of restored oral health and a lower risk for tooth crowding. For more information or an extraction consultation, contact our office online or call (630) 629-5700.
