Impacted Teeth
Impacted Teeth in Atlanta, GA
At Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery, we specialize in diagnosing and treating impacted teeth to protect your oral health and restore your smile. Whether you are dealing with painful wisdom teeth or require a specialized dental exposure procedure for an impacted canine, our experienced surgeons are here to provide safe, effective solutions across the Metro Atlanta area.
What Is an Impacted Tooth?
An impacted tooth is a tooth that has been blocked from breaking through the gum line and reaching its normal position in the mouth. This common dental issue occurs when there is not enough space in the jaw for the tooth to erupt properly. Obstructions such as bone, dense soft tissue, or adjacent teeth can also prevent a tooth from emerging.
This condition is not limited to wisdom teeth; other teeth can also be affected. The maxillary canines (upper eyeteeth) are the second most common teeth to become impacted.
Why are impacted teeth a concern?
When a tooth is impacted, it doesn’t just stay dormant. It can lead to a host of oral health problems, including:
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth: An impacted tooth can push against the roots of neighboring teeth, causing resorption (dissolving of the root), decay, or misalignment.
- Cysts and Tumors: In some cases, a sac of fluid called a cyst can form around the crown of the impacted tooth. If left untreated, this cyst can destroy surrounding bone, jaw tissue, and nearby teeth. While less common, tumors can also develop from this sac.
- Infection and Gum Disease: Partially erupted teeth are difficult to clean, creating a pocket where bacteria can thrive. This can lead to a painful infection called pericoronitis, characterized by swelling, bad breath, and pain.
- Crowding and Orthodontic Issues: The pressure from an impacted tooth can cause other teeth to shift, undoing the effects of braces or leading to new orthodontic problems.
Common Types of Impacted Teeth
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are the last teeth to develop. Because they emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, the jaw often lacks sufficient space to accommodate them. An impacted wisdom tooth can remain trapped beneath the gum or bone, growing at awkward angles.
Patients often experience pain or swelling, but some impactions are painless yet still harmful. We recommend an evaluation in your mid-teens to determine if Wisdom Teeth Removal is necessary to prevent future complications.
Impacted Canine Teeth (Cuspids)
The maxillary cuspid (upper eye tooth) is the second most common tooth to become impacted. These strong “cornerstone” teeth are vital for a correct bite and a balanced smile. Unlike wisdom teeth, which are usually extracted, our goal with an impacted canine tooth is to save it and guide it into position.
We work closely with your orthodontist to perform a dental exposure procedure. This team approach ensures the impacted cuspid tooth can be brought down into its proper place, completing your dental arch.
Symptoms of Impacted Teeth
Not all impacted teeth cause immediate pain, but many will eventually signal a problem. Watch for these common symptoms:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums at the back of the mouth
- Pain or tenderness in the jaw
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Unpleasant taste or bad breath
- Headaches or a dull ache in the jaw
If you are experiencing any of these issues, schedule a consultation at one of our Atlanta area offices immediately.
Treatment Options: Exposing Impacted Teeth
For teeth that are essential to your bite, such as canines, we utilize a technique known as the expose and bond procedure.
1. Evaluation: We use advanced 3D imaging to pinpoint the exact location of the impacted tooth.
2. Orthodontic Prep: Your orthodontist places braces on your teeth to create space for the impacted tooth.
3. Surgical Exposure: During a simple surgical procedure, we lift the gum tissue to expose the hidden tooth.
4. Bonding: An orthodontic bracket and a small gold chain are bonded to the exposed tooth.
5. Guiding the Tooth: Shortly after surgery, you return to your orthodontist. They attach a rubber band to the chain to apply gentle traction, slowly pulling the tooth into its correct alignment over several months.
This process of exposing impacted teeth is a highly successful method for salvaging teeth that would otherwise remain trapped.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an impacted tooth?
An impacted tooth is simply a tooth that is "stuck" and cannot erupt into function. It may be blocked by other teeth, dense bone, or soft tissue. While common with wisdom teeth, it is a condition that requires monitoring and often surgical intervention to prevent damage to the jaw and surrounding teeth.
Can an impacted wisdom tooth cause neck pain?
Yes, it can. An impacted wisdom tooth often causes inflammation and swelling in the jaw muscles. This tension can radiate downward, leading to neck pain, stiffness, and even headaches. If you have unexplained neck or jaw discomfort, an oral exam is one of the best ways to rule out dental causes.
What does an impacted wisdom tooth look like?
To the naked eye, you might not see anything at all if the tooth is fully impacted beneath the gums. Sometimes, you may see a small portion of the white enamel poking through the gum tissue (partially impacted). On an X-ray, however, an impacted wisdom tooth often looks like it is lying sideways, tilted against the adjacent molar, or trapped deep within the jawbone.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Some common signs that your wisdom teeth may need to be extracted include pain, swelling, redness, or tenderness in the back of your mouth. Additionally, frequent infections, difficulty opening your jaw, or damage to nearby teeth could indicate the need for removal. A dentist or oral surgeon will typically recommend removal after reviewing your symptoms and any X-rays.
Are all wisdom teeth painful when they come in?
No, not all wisdom teeth cause pain. Some people may not experience any discomfort at all, especially if their wisdom teeth erupt properly and fit well in the jaw. However, pain can occur if there is limited space in the mouth, causing impaction, overcrowding, or irritation to the surrounding gum tissue.
What happens if I don’t remove my wisdom teeth?
If you leave problematic wisdom teeth untreated, they can lead to complications such as gum disease, cavities, a misaligned bite, or cysts forming around the tooth. While not everyone will experience issues, leaving impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth unchecked could increase the risk of long-term dental problems.
Can wisdom teeth removal affect my jaw?
It is common to experience temporary soreness or stiffness in the jaw after wisdom teeth removal, especially if the procedure was complex. However, this typically resolves as the healing process progresses.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Don’t let impacted teeth compromise your oral health. Whether you need an evaluation for wisdom teeth or Orthodontic Surgery Support for an impacted canine, Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery provides the professional care you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient Metro Atlanta locations.