What is an Impacted Tooth and How is Impacted Tooth Extraction Performed?

Impacted teeth do not always cause problems and sometimes do not require treatment. However, in some cases, impacted teeth can damage the surrounding teeth. To prevent such complications, removal of impacted teeth may be necessary. Regular dental check-ups from an early age help in early diagnosis of impacted teeth and proper treatment planning.

What is an Impacted Tooth?

An impacted tooth is a tooth that fails to emerge through the gum line. It may be fully or partially trapped beneath the gum tissue. This condition is most common with wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth usually emerge after age 17, behind the molars. When fully erupted, they generally do not cause issues. However, fully or partially impacted teeth can lead to decay, infection, and gum diseases.

Types of Impacted Teeth

The type of impacted tooth varies based on its position and affects the treatment plan. The most common types are:

• Horizontal Impacted Tooth: Teeth that fail to emerge and lie horizontally under the gum. They may exert pressure on adjacent teeth, causing crowding and severe pain.
• Vertical Impacted Tooth: Teeth in correct vertical position but trapped under the gum. If asymptomatic, they may not require removal.
• Mesial Impacted Tooth: Teeth angled toward the front of the mouth, commonly seen in wisdom teeth.
• Distal Impacted Tooth: Teeth angled toward the throat.

Symptoms of Impacted Teeth

Impacted teeth may sometimes be asymptomatic. However, some patients may experience:

• Pain and sensitivity, especially while chewing
• Gum redness and swelling
• Gum bleeding
• Bad breath
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Prolonged head or jaw pain
• Gap where the tooth should erupt
• Sensitivity in the gums or jawbone
• Unpleasant taste
• Rarely swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Causes of Impacted Teeth

The exact causes are not always known, but the following factors may contribute:

• Early childhood dental trauma
• Failure of baby teeth to fall out
• Excess number of teeth
• Abnormal tooth development
• Insufficient space in the jaw
• Incorrect eruption angle
• Genetic factors

Problems Caused by Impacted Teeth

Potential complications include:

• Formation of dental plaque and tartar
• Risk of infection
• Periodontal diseases
• Dental or gum abscess
• Jaw nerve damage
• Damage and misalignment of adjacent teeth
• Cyst and rarely tumor formation
• Tooth decay
• Gum inflammation (pericoronitis)

How is an Impacted Tooth Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves listening to the patient’s complaints, conducting an oral examination, and taking dental X-rays. Pressure on surrounding teeth, infection signs, and damage to the tooth and bone are assessed.

How is Impacted Tooth Extraction Performed?

Impacted teeth that do not cause problems may not require treatment. However, if there is pain, infection, decay, or damage to other teeth, extraction is performed. The following symptoms guide the decision:

• Tooth pain
• Infections or periodontal diseases
• Tooth decay
• Cyst or tumor formation
• Damage to adjacent teeth

In infected teeth, antibiotic treatment may be given first. Impacted tooth extraction is usually performed under local anesthesia. An incision is made in the gum to access the tooth, which is then removed, and the area is sutured. Pressure is applied with gauze after the procedure.

Post-extraction, pain, swelling, and bleeding may occur. Painkillers and cold compresses are recommended. Some patients may experience temporary difficulty opening their mouths.