An impacted tooth refers to a tooth that has not properly erupted, and is “blocked” from breaking completely through gum tissue. The tooth may partially erupt, but can’t erupt properly and become functional by joining the rest of your teeth. Most commonly, this happens with wisdom teeth, but it’s also relatively common for the maxillary cuspid (upper eyetooth) to fail to erupt completely.
So, how can you know if you have an impacted tooth? Let’s take a look at the top signs of an impacted tooth.
Recognizing Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Impacted wisdom teeth are, by far, the most commonly-impacted teeth. The wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars, and usually attempt to erupt from the ages of 17-25. However, many people do not have enough room for them, which can lead to issues like impaction. In fact, a study in Sweden found that about 72% of people between the ages of 20-30 had at least one impacted wisdom tooth.
There are a few common signs of an impacted wisdom tooth you should be on the lookout for, if you think that you may be suffering from this problem.
- Red or swollen gum tissue around the rear of your mouth
- Tender or bleeding gums near the rear of your mouth
- Jaw pain or swelling near the area
- Difficulty opening your mouth completely
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth (may indicate infection of impacted tooth area)
If you recognize one or more of these signs, you should definitely schedule an appointment at OMSNashville right away.
Recognizing An Impacted Eyetooth (Maxillary Cuspid)
The eyetooth (or canine) is the pointed, large tooth that is located on either side of your front four teeth (incisors). It is considered the cornerstone of your smile and helps to create a stable and functional bite. It is impacted in about 1-2% of the population, which makes it the second most commonly-impacted tooth.
Usually, the impaction of the maxillary cuspid will be clear by the age of about 10-12 years. The most common sign of an impacted eyetooth is the failure of the tooth to erupt after the baby teeth have been lost. However, it is usually necessary to take an x-ray of the mouth to properly diagnose and recognize an impacted maxillary cuspid.
Know How To Recognize Impacted Teeth – And Get Help!
An impacted wisdom tooth can cause serious pain and discomfort, and even complications like an abscess (infection), while impacted maxillary cuspids can cause improper oral development.
So make sure that you and your children get regular oral exams to ensure your mouths are healthy. And if you do think you have an impacted tooth, make sure to contact the team at OMSNashville for a consultation right away.
The information and content on our website should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or advice from your doctor.
