What Does An Impacted Tooth Feel Like?

For all too many people, having an impacted tooth is a reality. Of course, you may know that something hurts, but you might not know that you have an impacted tooth until the symptoms are already causing discomfort.

Want to know more about what it's like to have an impacted tooth? This is what you need to know.

Impacted Teeth Are Common

An impacted tooth is one that is not able to erupt from the gums, generally because there is something else in the way or because the tooth is coming in at an odd angle. Most often, wisdom teeth are the ones most likely to be impacted. Adults and teens generally experience this issue, but many children also experience impacted teeth coming in.

Impacted Teeth Are Dangerous

Having an impacted tooth is about more than discomfort. In fact, this problem can lead to crowding, twisting, and pressure on the rest of your teeth. It can impact the appearance of your smile as well as the health of your teeth, making it more difficult for you to brush and floss. Impacted teeth can also influence your self-esteem.

Impacted Teeth Should Be Treated Early

The earlier you treat impacted teeth, the better. You can treat this issue when you first notice it to prevent crowding and moving of teeth. Keep in mind that an impacted tooth can be a quick fix in some cases, but in others it can be quite difficult. This is why dental intervention as early on as possible is important.

Treatment may involve removing a nearby tooth, for instance. This is a simple fix, and it's quite common with wisdom teeth. In fact, this is a common reason why people have their wisdom teeth removed as they are first starting to grow in.

On the more complex side, you may have a situation in which your jaw is narrow. Your teeth will not fit, and one trying to grow in has no space to emerge. The dentist may need to expand your jaw, which may require orthodontia or even surgery.

Call Your Dentist Today

If you think that you have an impacted tooth, it is important that you contact your dentist. Your dentist will help you devise a treatment plan so that you can work on making your smile as healthy and happy as it can be. Call a family dentistry clinic today to schedule an appointment.