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An impacted tooth can’t break through the gum because another tooth, bone, or soft tissue is blocking it from erupting. Most impacted teeth never cause symptoms and are only diagnosed when a dentist takes a routine X-ray. However, some patients do develop symptoms and require treatments like teeth extraction. Find out more about how to spot impacted teeth so you can seek a diagnosis and prompt dental care.

What Causes Impacted Teeth?

Impacted teeth develop when there’s not enough space in your mouth for the teeth to erupt. Genetics and lack of orthodontics could be to blame. Sometimes, teeth become twisted, tilted, or displaced as a new tooth tries to emerge. The third molars, also called wisdom teeth, are most commonly impacted.

What Are the Symptoms?

teeth-extraction-alaskaWhen symptoms occur, patients with impacted teeth experience red, swollen, and sore gums, bad breath, difficulty opening their mouth, a lingering bad taste, pain when chewing or biting, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. A partially emerged tooth can also trap food, bacteria, and plaque in the soft tissue around it, causing cavities.

Left untreated, impacted teeth can lead to a misaligned bite.

What Are the Treatment Options?

A dentist might recommend waiting and monitoring your impacted tooth if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms.

Those who experience symptoms might qualify for teeth extraction surgery to relieve pain and pressure on other teeth. In some cases, a dentist might recommend braces or brackets to help the tooth emerge. Your first step should be visiting a dentist for a diagnosis and recommendations. 

 

If you need impacted teeth extraction, head to Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska in Anchorage. Their oral surgeons are board-certified, and their team members have received extensive hospital-based training in anesthesia and surgical procedures. Call (907) 561-1430 today to request an examination, or visit their website to learn more about their services.

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