An impacted tooth is a tooth that fails to emerge fully into its expected position in the mouth. This condition occurs when a tooth remains trapped beneath the gums or partially erupts due to various factors such as lack of space, misalignment, or obstruction by another tooth.
Impacted teeth can occur in both baby teeth (primary teeth) and permanent teeth. While primary teeth are usually lost naturally to make way for permanent teeth, in some cases, they may not fall out on time, preventing the proper eruption of adult teeth. This can lead to complications, including crowding and misalignment.
In children, the most commonly impacted teeth are:
Wisdom teeth (third molars): These are often impacted due to lack of space in the jaw.
Canines (cuspids): These teeth play a crucial role in biting and alignment, and their impaction can lead to dental spacing and bite issues.
Molars: Occasionally, first or second molars may become impacted, leading to oral discomfort and functional concerns.
Several factors can contribute to impacted teeth in children, preventing them from erupting properly. Understanding these causes can help parents take proactive steps in addressing potential dental concerns early. Here are the most common reasons why teeth become impacted:
One of the primary reasons for impacted teeth is overcrowding. When a child’s jaw is too small to accommodate all of their permanent teeth, some teeth may struggle to emerge correctly. Overcrowding can cause teeth to shift, overlap, or become trapped under the gums, leading to impaction. This is especially common in children with narrow dental arches.
Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, act as placeholders for permanent teeth. If a child’s primary teeth do not fall out on schedule, the permanent teeth may not have enough space to emerge properly. This can cause permanent teeth to become stuck, leading to impaction or misalignment.
Genetics play a significant role in dental development. If a parent or close family member has a history of impacted teeth, their child is more likely to experience the same issue. Genetic factors that contribute to impaction include jaw size, tooth size, and overall dental structure.
Teeth usually follow a specific eruption sequence. However, abnormal growth patterns can cause some teeth to grow at incorrect angles or in the wrong position, leading to impaction. This is especially common with canine teeth, which may grow too high in the gum line or fail to descend into place.
Accidents, falls, or trauma to the mouth can damage the developing teeth or jawbone. If an injury disrupts the natural growth and positioning of teeth, it may prevent a tooth from erupting correctly. In some cases, trauma can also cause scar tissue to for mover a developing tooth, making it harder for the tooth to break through the gums.
Children with an impacted tooth often experience pain or pressure in the affected area. This discomfort may worsen when chewing, biting, or applying pressure on the gums. In some cases, the pain can radiate to the jaw, ear, or surrounding teeth.
If a tooth is trapped beneath the gums, swelling and inflammation may occur. The gums around the impacted tooth may appear red, swollen, or tender. In some cases, the swelling may be accompanied by pus or infection, which requires immediate attention from a pediatric dentist in Las Vegas.
An impacted tooth can make it challenging for children to chew properly. This can lead to avoiding certain foods, favoring one side of the mouth, or difficulty biting down. Additionally, if the impaction affects the alignment of other teeth, it may interfere with speech development.
One of the biggest warning signs of an impacted tooth is baby teeth that don’t fall out on time. If primary teeth remain in place longer than expected, they may block permanent teeth from erupting correctly, leading to impaction and misalignment.
Impacted teeth often create small gaps or pockets where food and bacteria can accumulate. This build up can result in persistent bad breath (halitosis) and an increased risk of gum infections or cavities in the surrounding teeth.
An impacted tooth can put pressure on nearby teeth, pushing them out of alignment. This may cause:
If left untreated, misalignment can lead to orthodontic problems, requiring braces or other corrective treatments.
Here are the most common treatment options:
In some cases, impacted teeth may resolve on their own. If the dentist determines that the tooth has the potential to erupt naturally, they may recommend a wait-and-see approach. Regular dental check-ups will be necessary to monitor progress and ensure that the tooth does not cause complications such as misalignment or pain.
If the impacted tooth is completely trapped beneath the gums or causing pain and infection, a surgical extraction may be necessary. This is typically required for:
During the procedure, the dentist or an oral surgeon will carefully remove the impacted tooth under local anesthesia. In some cases, sedation may be used for comfort, especially if the child is anxious about the procedure.
If an impacted tooth is affecting the alignment of other teeth, braces or orthodontic appliances may be recommended to guide the tooth into its correct position. Orthodontic solutions include:
Early intervention with orthodontics can prevent serious alignment issues and reduce the need for extractions.
If an impacted tooth is causing pain or discomfort, pediatric dentists may recommend at-home pain relief methods before or after treatment. These may include:
If your child is experiencing any symptoms, don't wait for the condition to worsen. Early intervention can prevent pain, misalignment, and infections. A Las Vegas pediatric dentist can evaluate your child's oral health and provide the necessary treatment for impacted teeth.