Symptoms of Impacted Teeth You Need to Be Aware Of
Posted on 4/15/2025 by Dr. Michael Allard |
 Do you experience persistent pain or swelling in your jaw? Have you noticed your teeth becoming misaligned? If so, these could be signs of impacted teeth. While they may not always cause symptoms, recognizing the potential warning signs is crucial for maintaining good oral care and preventing more serious complications.
What are Impacted Teeth?
An impacted tooth is a tooth that has failed to erupt or fully emerge through the gum line. This can occur when there isn't enough space in the jawbone for the tooth to grow or if the tooth develops at an abnormal angle. Wisdom teeth are the most commonly impacted teeth, but other teeth can be affected as well.
What are the Symptoms of Impacted Teeth?
While some impacted teeth cause no noticeable symptoms, many others can lead to various problems. Some common symptoms of impacted teeth include:
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Pain and swelling: This can be localized around the affected tooth or even extend to the entire jaw. The pain may be constant or come and go. |
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Redness and inflammation: The gums around the impacted tooth may become red, swollen, and tender. |
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Bleeding: You may experience bleeding around the impacted tooth, especially when brushing or eating. |
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Pus discharge: In some cases, an infection may develop around the impacted tooth, causing pus discharge. |
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Bad breath: If food particles become trapped around the impacted tooth, it can lead to bad breath. |
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Difficulty chewing: An impacted tooth can interfere with your ability to chew properly. |
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Crowding of other teeth: Impacted teeth can push against other teeth, causing them to become misaligned and crowded. |
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Cyst formation: A fluid-filled sac called a cyst can develop around an impacted tooth. This can damage the surrounding bone and other teeth. |
What are the Potential Complications of Impacted Teeth?
If left untreated, impacted teeth can lead to more serious complications, such as:
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Dental caries (cavities): The trapped food and bacteria around the impacted tooth can increase the risk of cavities. |
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Gum disease (periodontal disease): Impacted teeth make it difficult to clean properly, increasing the risk of gum disease. |
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Bone damage: The pressure from the impacted tooth can damage the surrounding bone. |
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Infection: An infection can spread from the impacted tooth to other parts of the mouth or even the bloodstream. |
What should you do if you suspect an Impacted Tooth?
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's important to see your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. They will assess your situation through a physical exam, X-rays, and other diagnostic tools. Based on their evaluation, they can recommend the best treatment option for your specific case.
Treatment options for Impacted Teeth
The treatment for an impacted tooth will vary depending on its location, severity of symptoms, and overall oral health. In some cases, an impacted tooth may not require any immediate treatment if it's not causing any problems. However, if the impacted tooth is causing pain, infection, or other complications, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Surgical removal: This is the most common treatment for impacted teeth. Your dentist or oral surgeon will remove the impacted tooth through a surgical procedure.
Orthodontic treatment: In some cases, if the impacted tooth is close to erupting, your dentist may use orthodontic treatment to guide it into its proper position. This usually involves braces or other orthodontic appliances.
Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, play a vital role in preventing complications from impacted teeth. Regular dental exams can help identify impacted teeth early on, allowing for early intervention and preventing the development of more severe problems.
If you have any questions or concerns about impacted teeth, or any other aspect of your oral health, don't hesitate to speak to your dentist. They can provide you with personalized advice and recommendations to ensure optimal oral health.
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