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Managing the Discomfort of an Impacted Tooth

Posted on 12/2/2024 by Dr. Michael Allard

An impacted tooth is one that is unable to erupt through your gums into its proper position in your mouth. This can happen with any tooth, but it most often happens with the wisdom teeth, which are the last teeth to come in, usually in the late teens or early twenties.

Causes of Impacted Teeth

There are a number of reasons why a tooth might become impacted. These include:

•	Lack of space in the jaw for all of the teeth to erupt properly.
•	The teeth erupting at the wrong angle.
•	A cyst or other growth blocking the tooth from erupting.
•	Other dental abnormalities, such as an extra tooth or a misplaced tooth.

Symptoms of an Impacted Tooth

The symptoms of an impacted tooth can vary depending on the severity of the impaction. Some people with impacted teeth may not experience any symptoms at all, while others may experience:

•	Pain and swelling in the gums around the impacted tooth.
•	Difficulty opening the mouth.
•	Bad breath.
•	A foul taste in the mouth.
•	Infection of the gums or surrounding bone.
•	Damage to nearby teeth.

Diagnosing an Impacted Tooth

Impacted teeth are usually diagnosed by taking an X-ray of the teeth and jaw. The X-ray will show the position of the impacted tooth and the surrounding teeth and bone. In some cases, a CT scan may be needed to get a more detailed image of the impacted tooth.

Treatment for Impacted Teeth

The treatment for an impacted tooth will depend on the severity of the impaction and the patient's individual needs. In some cases, the impacted tooth may be left alone if it is not causing any problems. However, if the impacted tooth is causing pain, infection, or damage to other teeth, it will need to be removed.

The removal of an impacted tooth is a surgical procedure that is usually performed by an oral surgeon. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation. The oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum and remove the impacted tooth. In some cases, the bone around the impacted tooth may also need to be removed. After the surgery, the patient may experience some pain and swelling, which can be managed with pain medication.

Managing the Discomfort

Following the removal of an impacted tooth, there are several things you can do to manage the discomfort:

•	Take pain medication as prescribed by your oral surgeon.
•	Use ice packs on your face to reduce swelling.
•	Eat soft foods for the first few days after surgery.
•	Avoid smoking and alcohol, as these can slow healing.
•	Brush your teeth and rinse with salt water after meals to keep the area clean.

If you have any questions or concerns following the removal of an impacted tooth, be sure to contact your oral surgeon.

Preventing Impacted Teeth

There is no way to prevent all impacted teeth, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk, including:

•	See a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
•	Get X-rays of your teeth and jaw as recommended by your dentist.
•	Have any dental problems treated promptly.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of an impacted tooth, be sure to see your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent complications.

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Arrowhead Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 18555 N 79th Ave, Suite A-103, Glendale, AZ 85308-8370 ~ (623) 738-2564 ~ arrowheadoralsurgery.com ~ 1/21/2025 ~ Related Terms: Dental Implants Glendale AZ ~