An impacted tooth is one that gets trapped either partially or completely under your gums. Wisdom teeth are some of the most commonly impacted teeth, but it’s an issue that can happen to other teeth as well — and it can have a serious effect on your oral health.
Impacted teeth may not be visible themselves, but they can cause visible changes inside your mouth. In fact, impacted teeth can contribute to crooked teeth and a host of other problems. Fortunately, you have treatment options.
Walied Touni, DDS, MSD, and our team at Touni Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, California, specialize in treating impacted teeth and perfecting smiles, and we’re here to help you get a comprehensive treatment plan that delivers straighter, healthier teeth.
Because impacted teeth don’t emerge from your gums as they should, they can cause a domino effect on the alignment of your other teeth and your overall oral health.
First and foremost, impacted teeth often push against adjacent teeth. This pressure makes otherwise healthy teeth tilt and shift out of their proper positions. Depending on the severity of your impacted tooth, it can cause pain that radiates from your jaw.
An impacted tooth also takes up space in your jaw that your other teeth may need. Your teeth may gradually get more crooked over time, and impacted teeth can contribute to overcrowding.
Along with misalignments, impacted teeth can affect your bite. When a tooth doesn't erupt correctly, it can change the way your upper and lower teeth come together. Bite misalignment can cause issues like irregular wear, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing.
Impacted teeth can pose a threat to your other teeth and your oral health, so it’s important to seek treatment if you’re concerned. Dr. Touni and our team offer comprehensive oral exams, and we can help you pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and find a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Your treatment options depend on the specific tooth affected and the severity of the impaction. Sometimes, impacted teeth may not require immediate treatment. But in other cases, prompt treatment can help you avoid more serious complications later on.
Dr. Touni may prescribe eruption aids to help your tooth emerge properly. In some cases, he may recommend surgically exposing impacted canines or premolars and then guiding them into their proper positions with orthodontic treatment.
And in the case of wisdom teeth, he often recommends extraction. Extracting your wisdom teeth helps prevent issues like overcrowding, misalignment, and pain. Removing your impacted teeth can also help protect the alignment of your existing teeth.
If you have crooked teeth even after addressing your impacted tooth, orthodontic treatment can move your teeth into their ideal positions. Dr. Touni may recommend braces or aligners to give you a healthier bite and a straighter smile.
Impacted teeth can indeed cause crooked teeth and bite issues, but proactive treatment can help keep your mouth healthy. Find the treatment you need at Touni Orthodontics. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Touni by calling our office today or booking online any time.
