Impacted Teeth

Impacted Teeth

Impacted Teeth are conditions in which teeth become embedded in the jawbone, deviating from their normal path or not being able to fully erupt. Usually, impacted teeth are located somehow under the jawbone or gums and can lead to a variety of health problems. Impacted teeth are most commonly associated with wisdom teeth, but other teeth can also be impacted.

Causes of Impacted Teeth

The causes of impacted teeth include:

1. Insufficient Space: Having small jaw bones or insufficient space for teeth to emerge prevents the teeth from coming out properly.
2. Genetic Factors: Familial predisposition and genetic factors may increase the risk of teeth remaining impacted.
3. Direction of the TeethThe direction of tooth eruption may not be in line with the jawbone. The tooth may remain impacted sideways or crookedly.
4. Tooth Development: Some disorders may occur during the development of the teeth, which may cause the tooth not to emerge normally.
5. Overlapping with Other TeethIn some cases, teeth overlapping other teeth or insufficient jaw bone may prevent the tooth from emerging.

Symptoms of Impacted Teeth

While impacted teeth may not show any symptoms in some cases, in other cases, various discomforts may occur. These symptoms are:

• Pain or Discomfort: There may be pain, swelling or tenderness in the gums. An impacted tooth can cause pain by putting pressure on the surrounding gums.
• Infection: Gum inflammation or infection can be the result of impacted teeth. The infected area can be painful, swollen and tender.
• Swelling and Redness: Swelling and redness of the gums may occur around the impacted teeth.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis)Infection or inflammation in the gums can cause bad breath.
• Feeling of Tightness Around the JawThere may be limited movement or a feeling of tightness in the jaw or other areas of the mouth.

Treatment of Impacted Teeth

Impacted teeth can cause various health problems if left untreated. Treatment may vary depending on the condition of the tooth, symptoms, and other factors. Treatment methods for impacted teeth include:

1. Surgical Intervention (Tooth Extraction)

The most common method for treating impacted teeth is surgical extraction. This procedure is performed depending on whether the tooth is embedded in the jawbone or the gum.

2. Tooth Displacement

In some cases, instead of surgically extracting the impacted tooth, directing it back into place (autodontic intervention) may be considered. This method is usually related to the tooth shifting or crooked. Some materials bonded to the tooth can be used to help the tooth come out. However, this method is rarer and is usually applied at a young age.

3. Dental Cleaning and Medication

Infections caused by impacted teeth can be treated with antibiotics. However, this only helps clear the infection and does not heal the tooth. Once the infection is under control, surgery may be necessary.

4. Monitoring of Impacted Teeth

If the impacted tooth is not causing any problems and there is no possibility of the tooth being dislodged, it can be monitored without treatment. However, the condition of the tooth should be checked at regular intervals as pain, infection or other problems may occur in the future.

Problems Caused by Impacted Teeth

1. Pressure on adjacent teethImpacted teeth can put pressure on neighboring teeth, causing them to become distorted or crooked.
2. Cyst or Tumor Formation: Cysts or benign tumors may develop around impacted teeth. This can lead to weakening of the jawbone and tooth loss.
3. Risk of Infection: There is a risk of infection around the impacted tooth, especially in the gum. This can affect the area around the tooth.
4. Oral Health ProblemsThe environment created by impacted teeth can be suitable for plaque and bacterial buildup, which can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath.
5. Fracture in the Jaw: Depending on their location, impacted teeth may create a weak line in the jaw and cause fractures in the area.
6. Root Resorption: An impacted tooth may cause the root of the tooth to melt when it comes into contact with the neighboring tooth.