What Is An Impacted Tooth?

How to Identify and Treat Impacted Teeth: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

An impacted tooth is a tooth that's stuck under the gums and can't grow in properly. This can happen if there's not enough room in your mouth, or the tooth is coming in at a bad angle.

Most of the time, you can’t see the tooth because it’s hidden away under your gums. It might try to come through but end up only partly visible, not able to come in all the way. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue—it can hurt, push other teeth into the wrong spot, and make it tough to brush properly.

In this blog post, we'll break down why teeth get impacted, what signs to watch for, and how to handle it. We want to help you stop small dental problems from becoming big ones.

Understanding Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth is one that can’t grow or pass through the gums properly. It’s often due to not having enough space or teeth growing in odd directions. Crowding or teeth that don't follow the normal growth path can lead to impaction. It’s most common with wisdom teeth but can happen to any tooth.

Signs and Symptoms of an Impacted Tooth

You might wonder how to tell if you or your child has an impacted tooth. Here are a few signs to look out for:

• Pain or swelling in the gums where a tooth should be coming in.
• Difficulty opening your mouth or a sensation of pressure in the back of your jaw.
• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

Why Should You Care About Impacted Teeth?

Leaving an impacted tooth untreated isn't wise. It can lead to infection, damage to other teeth, or even cysts or tumors in the mouth. Plus, it can throw off the alignment of your smile and lead to chewing problems or pain.

Diagnosing and Treating Impacted Teeth

An orthodontist can determine if a tooth is impacted with a simple exam and X-rays. Treatment options vary but might include making space for the tooth to emerge naturally, helping it along with orthodontic devices, or sometimes removing it if it poses a risk to other teeth or overall oral health.

Comprehensive Care for Impacted Teeth at Idaho Orthodontics

At Idaho Orthodontics, we understand that impacted teeth can be a source of discomfort and anxiety. Not only do they cause pain, but they can also affect the look and function of your smile. That's why we're dedicated to identifying and treating impacted teeth using the latest in dental imaging technology to get a clear picture of what's happening below the surface of your gums.

We believe every tooth has its place in the spotlight of your smile, and our goal is to help each one take its rightful position. Whether it’s through creating space for the tooth to emerge, guiding it into place with braces or other orthodontic devices, or removing it to preserve the health of your other teeth, we have the expertise to handle it.

Don't let an impacted tooth keep you or your child from the benefits of a full, healthy smile. Reach out to us at Idaho Orthodontics, where we provide personalized, compassionate care at every step. Let's work together to solve the puzzle of impacted teeth and bring out the best in your smile.

Related post: Understanding Crossbite: Definition, Causes, & Treatment

Related Questions

How do I know if I have an impacted tooth?
Common signs include pain or swelling in the gums, trouble opening your mouth fully, pressure in the jaw, and bad breath or a bad taste near the area where a tooth should be coming in. An exam and X-ray with an orthodontist or dentist is the only way to know for sure.

Are impacted teeth always wisdom teeth?
No—while wisdom teeth are the most commonly impacted, any tooth can become stuck if there isn’t enough space or it grows at the wrong angle. Canines are another tooth that frequently becomes impacted and may need orthodontic help to come in.

What happens if an impacted tooth is left untreated?
An untreated impacted tooth can lead to infection, damage to nearby teeth, cysts, or changes in your bite and smile alignment. Over time, it can also make chewing painful and proper cleaning more difficult.

How are impacted teeth treated at an orthodontic office like Idaho Orthodontics?
Treatment can include creating space with braces or expanders, gently guiding the tooth into place with special attachments, or, if necessary, working with an oral surgeon to remove it. Your orthodontist will recommend a plan based on the tooth’s position, your age, and your overall oral health.