Impacted Tooth
An impacted tooth can be defined as a tooth that does not have enough space to erupt into the correct position and therefore remains trapped in the jawbone or gum tissue. Although there is no complete consensus on the exact causes of impacted teeth, genetic factors are known to play a significant role. Impacted tooth surgery may be preferred as a treatment option.
What Is an Impacted Tooth?
An impacted tooth is a tooth that cannot erupt because it lacks sufficient space or attempts to emerge in an incorrect position. While impacted teeth are most commonly seen in wisdom teeth, they can occur in other teeth as well.
Sometimes, an impacted tooth may partially erupt through the gum but then stop and fail to complete the eruption process. Treatment options for impacted teeth may vary depending on the patient’s condition.
What Are the Symptoms of an Impacted Tooth?
- Bleeding gums
- Missing or reduced number of visible teeth
- Difficulty or pain while eating or drinking
- A persistent unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Bad breath (halitosis)
What Treatment Methods Are Used for Impacted Teeth?
Patients experiencing discomfort due to an impacted tooth should consult a dentist as soon as possible. During the first appointment, a jaw X-ray is taken to identify the position of the impacted tooth. Once the cause of impaction is determined, the most appropriate treatment method can be planned.
Before opting for surgical removal, dentists may consider alternative treatment approaches:
Monitoring the Impacted Tooth
If the impacted tooth does not cause severe symptoms or interfere with daily life, your dentist may recommend monitoring. With regular check-ups and X-rays, the dentist can observe whether the tooth is moving. Based on these observations, a treatment decision can be made.
Impacted Tooth Extraction (Impacted Tooth Surgery)
If the impacted tooth is moving, applying pressure to adjacent teeth, causing pain, or failing to erupt properly, surgical extraction may be recommended. This procedure is considered one of the most effective methods for relieving pain that negatively affects daily life. The primary cause of pain is the pressure created as the tooth attempts to erupt.
Impacted tooth surgery typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour and can usually be completed in a single session. Performed under local anesthesia, the procedure may require approximately one week of healing, while most patients can return to daily activities within a few days.
Creating Space With Orthodontic (Braces) Treatment
This method is commonly used to assist the eruption of impacted canine teeth. It is generally more effective in children and adolescents, where orthodontic treatment can help guide the tooth into its proper position.
Is Impacted Tooth Extraction Difficult?
The difficulty of impacted tooth extraction depends on the position and orientation of the tooth roots. Jaw X-rays help assess the complexity of the procedure. However, since the operation is performed under local anesthesia, patients do not feel pain during the procedure. After completion, many patients experience a noticeable sense of relief.
What Should Be Considered After Impacted Tooth Surgery?
- It is crucial to strictly follow the dentist’s instructions both before and after treatment.
- Oral hygiene and dental care must be maintained carefully after surgery.
- Your dentist will advise when it is safe to resume eating and drinking.
- Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages for a few days after treatment.
- During the first few days, consuming soft and liquid foods such as soup, purée, and smoothies is recommended.
- Apply cold compresses as advised by your dentist to reduce swelling and discomfort.
