Did you know that teeth may fail to fully erupt into your mouth?

Have you ever gone to the dentist and they tell you – or, a friend or relative – that your teeth are not positioned properly?

 

That your teeth have not fully appeared or come out of the bone or beyond the gum line?

 

Well, if not I want to tell you that this scenario is quite an often case in every 2 of 5 patients I will get to see in a dental clinic.

 

 

It is a phenomenon we most refer to as, teeth impaction, medically termed as dental impaction.

 

It occurs when a tooth fails to emerge fully through the gum line into its expected position in the dental arch within the expected time frame.

 

This condition commonly affects the third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, but it can occur with any tooth in the mouth.

 

In most cases its cause is genetic but some are environmental.

 

Genetic factors for this condition are things like a small-sized jaw and the poor alignment or a big size of teeth on a small jaw. These are often inherited traits.

 

 

Genetics can play a significant role in determining whether a person will experience tooth impaction.

 

Environmental factors are such as poor oral hygiene, inadequate dental care, and crowding of teeth in the jaw can contribute to impaction. Trauma to the face or jaw can also lead to tooth impaction.

 

Impaction of a tooth can be that a tooth has failed to come out further from the bone (bony impaction) or it can be that the gum is covering the tooth that is erupting causing swelling and pain. Most often a bony impaction occurs.

 

In cases where it is the bundle of gum tissue causing the tooth to not erupt further then it is usually cut off (flapectomy) to leave room for the tooth to grow into the mouth.

 

Types of Bony Impaction

1. Mesial Impaction: The tooth is angled towards the front of the mouth.
2. Distal Impaction: The tooth is angled towards the back of the mouth.
3. Vertical Impaction: The tooth is blocked from erupting by bone, gum tissue, or adjacent teeth.
4. Horizontal Impaction: The tooth is lying horizontally, often pressing against other teeth or the jawbone.

 

Commonly Affected Teeth

While any tooth can become impacted, the third molars (wisdom teeth) are the most commonly affected due to their position at the back of the mouth.

 

 

But also the canines, being teeth erupting quite later amongst anterior teeth. As well as, the canines have deeper and longer roots.

 

Age of Identification

Impacted teeth are often identified during late adolescence or early adulthood when the wisdom teeth begin to erupt.

 

If the teeth are not aligned well, then one would feel pain due to gum swelling or pressure of the poorly aligned teeth on the other teeth or it can also be that that particular tooth has begun to decay causing dental pain.

 

However, impacted teeth can be detected at any age during routine dental examinations or when symptoms arise.

 

Signs and Symptoms

1. Pain or discomfort: Especially around the back of the mouth where wisdom teeth typically erupt.

 

2. Swelling: In the gum tissue around the affected tooth.

 

3. Redness and inflammation: Around the gum line of the affected area.

 

4. Difficulty opening the mouth: Due to pain and swelling.

 

5. Unpleasant taste or odor: Caused by food particles trapped around the impacted tooth.

 

Effects of an impacted tooth on general oral Health of an individual

Untreated dental impaction can lead to various oral health issues, including:

1. Tooth decay: Impacted teeth can be difficult to clean properly, increasing the risk of decay.
2. Gum disease: The gum tissue around impacted teeth is more susceptible to infection.
3. Damage to adjacent teeth: Impacted teeth can exert pressure on neighboring teeth, leading to misalignment or damage.
4. Cysts or tumors: In rare cases, impacted teeth can lead to the development of cysts or tumors in the jawbone.

 

Treatment

1. At-Home Care: Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, can help prevent complications associated with impacted teeth.

 

2. Dental Clinic: Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the impaction and the patient’s symptoms. They may include:

• Monitoring: In some cases, impacted teeth may be monitored periodically to assess any changes or symptoms.
• Extraction: Surgical removal of the impacted tooth may be necessary, especially if it causes pain, infection, or other oral health issues.
• Orthodontic Treatment: Orthodontic procedures may be recommended to create space in the dental arch and facilitate the eruption of impacted teeth.

 

Keep in mind that…

Teeth impaction is a common dental condition that can have significant implications for oral health if left untreated.

 

Early detection, proper diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are essential for managing impacted teeth and preventing complications.

 

Consulting with a dental professional is crucial for personalized treatment recommendations based on individual needs and circumstances.