What Happens If You Have An Impacted Tooth?

The term ‘impacted tooth’ refers to a tooth that was supposed to erupt yet hasn’t. As a result, the tooth can get trapped in the gums. Most commonly, impaction occurs with wisdom teeth, but the truth is any tooth can become impacted. So what exactly happens if you have an impacted tooth? Turn to your dentist in Spring Hill.

Treatment

The good news is that an impacted tooth doesn’t necessarily always require treatment. If the tooth isn’t causing trouble and there is no concern for the neighboring teeth, your dentist in Spring Hill may recommend leaving it alone. However, in cases where treatment is recommended, solutions can vary from orthodontics to extraction. Each situation is different, and the best impacted tooth treatment for you will depend on your specific needs.  

• Orthodontics – Braces or brackets can be used to move other teeth out of the way to make room for the impacted tooth and can even help pull the tooth down into place. This treatment is most common in younger patients.
• Extraction – If orthodontics isn’t an option, your dentist may recommend an extraction. This treatment is typically completed under anesthesia at your dentist’s office or with an oral surgeon. It’s a short, routine procedure that should have you recovered in no time.

Causes

In most cases, an impacted tooth occurs because there isn’t enough room in the mouth for a new tooth to erupt. This is common when children lose baby teeth and the adult teeth are trying to pop through the gums. It’s also very likely to occur with wisdom teeth later in life. The jaw may be too small to accommodate additional teeth, or the teeth may already be overcrowded. Teeth that are growing sideways or at weird angles can also become impacted.

Symptoms

Even though an impacted tooth sounds like a painful condition, the truth is many times a fully impacted tooth won’t have any symptoms. Partially impacted teeth, however, can exhibit some of these common signs:

• Bad breath
• Pain in the gums or jaw
• Swelling of the gums
• Headaches
• Bad taste when biting down

Now, it’s important to know the signs of an impacted or partially impacted tooth so you can seek treatment. However, seeing your dentist in Spring Hill twice a year for preventive exams and checkups can usually help spot a potential impaction early before there’s trouble.

Complications

If treatment for an impacted tooth is recommended, it’s for a good reason. Occasionally complications can occur with impacted teeth, such as:

• Misaligned bite
• Difficulty brushing and, therefore, an increased risk of decay and gum disease
• Abscess
• Nerve damage
• Bone loss

News of an impacted tooth can be concerning for anyone, but don’t worry, there are plenty of treatment options that relieve any symptoms that you have and give you a smile you’re proud of. If you are experiencing signs of an impacted tooth or partially impacted tooth, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Tooth Extraction in Spring Hill, TN: What to Expect

If your dentist recommends removing an impacted tooth, knowing what happens ahead of time can take much of the worry out of it.

Imaging and Planning

Before any extraction, we need a clear picture of where the tooth sits. X-rays show the tooth’s angle, the shape of its roots, and how close it is to nearby teeth and nerves, which helps us plan the safest approach.

Simple vs. Surgical Extraction

A simple extraction is used for teeth that are fully visible above the gumline. Impacted teeth are usually removed with a surgical extraction because they’re still under the gum or bone. Your dentist makes a small opening in the gum, may remove a little bone, and sometimes divides the tooth into smaller pieces so it can come out gently. The area is numbed, so you should feel pressure but not pain.

Getting Ready for Your Appointment

Share your full medical history and a list of your medications, including blood thinners, and follow any eating or drinking instructions we give you. Plan to take it easy for the rest of the day.

What Recovery Looks Like

On the first day, protect the blood clot that forms in the socket by skipping straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing, and stick to soft foods. Most people feel noticeably better within a few days. If severe pain returns two to four days after the procedure, call us, as it could be a sign of dry socket. For more detailed aftercare, read our guide on [what to avoid after wisdom teeth extraction].

Replacing the Tooth After Extraction

Wisdom teeth usually don’t need to be replaced. If another tooth is removed, though, the gap can cause neighboring teeth to shift over time. Your dentist can walk you through replacement options, such as [bridges], [dentures], or implants.

Cost and Insurance

Dental plans often cover part of the cost of a medically necessary extraction, but coverage varies by plan and by whether the procedure is simple or surgical. Check with your insurance provider and our front desk before your visit so you know what to expect for tooth extraction in Spring Hill, TN.

When to Seek Urgent Care

Call us right away if you notice worsening swelling or a fever. If swelling spreads to your face or neck, or you have trouble swallowing or breathing, go to the nearest emergency room.

Think you may need a tooth extraction in Spring Hill, TN? Contact our team to schedule an evaluation.

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