If one of your teeth gets stuck and cannot come out entirely, that could be an impacted tooth! Yes, you read it right, an impacted tooth. When there isn't enough space in the jaw, the tooth may get trapped in the bone or under the gums. If left untreated, it can lead to worse infections or damage to nearby teeth and other dental issues. Is it a common problem? It surely is, but many people still do not pay enough attention. Keep reading to know more.
Three types of Tooth Impactions
- Soft tissue impaction: The tooth has partially emerged through the gum line but cannot erupt fully due to soft tissue obstruction.
- Partial bony impaction: The tooth is partially covered by bone and gum tissue, making cleaning difficult and causing potential gum infections.
- Complete bony impaction: The tooth is entirely encased in the jawbone and cannot erupt naturally.
Possible Effects of an Impacted Tooth
- Pain and discomfort: Impacted teeth may cause pain, especially when chewing or opening the mouth.
- Infection: Due to the difficulty in cleaning, bacteria can accumulate around the partially erupted tooth, leading to gum infections like pericoronitis.
- Tooth damage: Impacted teeth can push against adjacent teeth, causing misalignment, crowding, or damage to neighboring teeth.
You may extract the impacted tooth to prevent further damage to others. We would be glad and honored to help if you want or need some assistance. We can also answer some of your queries regarding our teeth. Comment below so we can keep in touch.
