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An impacted tooth is one that can't make its way into its proper position
because it was blocked by another tooth, bone, or other tissue. Instead
of coming through the gum normally, the tooth may only partially appear,
and nearly everyone has at least one of their wisdom teeth become impacted.
As the wisdom teeth appear, they may cause changes in tooth spacing, even
when they do not become impacted. A braces
dentist or orthodontist can help fix this and keep you smiling!
What Causes an Impacted Tooth?
Nearly all impacted teeth are our third molars, usually called wisdom teeth.
Although these teeth start forming very early, when we're around nine years
old, they don't begin to appear until around age twenty. By this time, our
jaws have already finished growing and may not have enough room for the
four new molars to fit. As the wisdom teeth try to move into position, their
path is often blocked by other teeth or by the jawbone itself or surrounding
tissues.
What Problems Does an Impacted Tooth Cause?
An impacted tooth can cause pain and may lead to disease. The pain may come
from the crowded condition or may result from an infection or other causes.
The impacted tooth may force other teeth into unnatural positions or produce
crowding, which can lead to trapped food and decay, either of which can
cause infections and lead to greater problems.
How Can I Tell If I Have an Impacted Tooth?
Your dentist can determine if you have impacted teeth by looking at your
mouth and seeing if there are signs of swelling or infection. To confirm
the diagnosis, X-rays may be necessary.
How Are Impacted Teeth Treated?
Because wisdom teeth almost always cause problems, they are often removed
during early adulthood. If the tooth is visible, it can often be extracted
under local anesthetic using routine extraction tools. If the tooth is stuck
in the bone under the gum, oral surgery is needed.
How Can I Correct the Crooked Teeth My Wisdom Teeth Caused?
A cosmetic dentist or orthodontist can help repair any shifting that was
caused by your wisdom teeth. The Invisalign
system of invisible aligners can be used to correct many problems of
this nature, or traditional metal braces or Damon
brackets may be used to straighten your teeth.
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