Impacted Teeth

Causes of Impacted Teeth

Teeth can become impacted due to several factors, including:

• Crowding: Insufficient space in the jaw prevents proper eruption.
• Genetics: Family history can influence the likelihood of impaction.
• Jaw Size: Smaller jaws can limit the room available for teeth to emerge.
• Abnormal Tooth Angles: Teeth that grow at an angle may fail to break through the gums.

Common Symptoms of Impacted Teeth

Impacted teeth can cause a variety of symptoms, such as:

• Pain or Swelling: Discomfort in the gums or jaw near the impacted tooth.
• Gum Inflammation: Redness, swelling, or tenderness around the area.
• Crowding or Shifting Teeth: Adjacent teeth may move due to pressure from the impacted tooth.
• Difficulty Opening the Mouth: Severe cases can limit jaw mobility.
• Infections or Cysts: Impacted teeth can lead to infections or cysts in the surrounding tissue.

Importance of Treating Impacted Teeth

Leaving impacted teeth untreated can result in:

• Increased Pain: Persistent discomfort that worsens over time.
• Damage to Adjacent Teeth: Pressure from the impacted tooth can weaken or misalign neighboring teeth.
• Infection Risks: Bacteria can accumulate, leading to gum infections or abscesses.
• Oral Cysts or Tumors: In rare cases, untreated impaction can lead to cyst formation.

Treatment Options for Impacted Teeth

The best approach to treating impacted teeth depends on their severity and location. Options include:

• Monitoring: For asymptomatic cases, regular check-ups may be sufficient.
• Extraction: Removing the impacted tooth to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.
• Orthodontic Solutions: Addressing alignment issues caused by impaction.
• Surgical Intervention: For deeply impacted teeth, minor oral surgery may be required.

Benefits of Addressing Impacted Teeth

Taking timely action to treat impacted teeth can:

• Relieve Pain: Immediate treatment alleviates discomfort.
• Prevent Further Issues: Reducing risks of infections or damage to adjacent teeth.
• Restore Oral Function: Improving your ability to chew, speak, and maintain oral hygiene.
• Enhance Confidence: Resolving impaction improves overall oral health and appearance.

Take the First Step

Impacted teeth can disrupt your daily life, but effective solutions are within reach. At Wisdom Teeth OKC, we offer expert care to address impaction and restore your comfort and health. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.