Impacted Tooth - Port Vila

An impacted tooth is a permanent tooth that fails to erupt, or break through the gum line, within the expected timeframe. This can happen to any tooth, but wisdom teeth are the most common culprits.  While impacted teeth sometimes cause no problems, they can also lead to a variety of complications. This article explores what impacted teeth are, what causes them, and what treatment options are available.

Understanding Eruption and Impaction

Teeth develop under the gum line and gradually erupt as the jaw grows and bone is resorbed to make space.  When a tooth doesn't have enough space to erupt properly, it becomes impacted. There are two main types of impaction:

• Soft tissue impaction: The tooth is trapped below the gum tissue.

• Bone impaction: The tooth is completely stuck within the jawbone.

Causes of Impacted Teeth

The most common reason for impacted teeth is lack of space in the jaw. This can be due to genetics, small jaws, or other teeth blocking the eruption path. Other causes include:

• Supernumerary teeth (extra teeth)

• Misaligned teeth

• Early loss of baby teeth

• Cysts or tumors in the jaw

Signs and Symptoms of Impacted Teeth

Impacted teeth may not cause any noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages. However, some potential signs include:

• Pain or discomfort in the jaw

• Swelling or redness in the gums

• Difficulty chewing

• Bad breath

• Damage to surrounding teeth

Treatment Options for Impacted Teeth

The best course of treatment for an impacted tooth depends on several factors, such as the type of tooth impacted, its severity, and any symptoms present. Here are some common treatment options:

• Monitoring: If the impacted tooth isn't causing any problems, your dentist may recommend monitoring it with regular X-rays.

• Surgical exposure: In some cases, an oral surgeon can create space for the tooth to erupt by removing some gum tissue or bone.

• Tooth extraction: If the impacted tooth is causing problems or unlikely to erupt properly, extraction may be recommended.

There are two main approaches to removing an impacted tooth:

• Simple extraction: This is the preferred method if the tooth is easily accessible.

• Surgical extraction: This is a more complex procedure that may be required if the tooth is deeply impacted or in a difficult position.

When to See a Dentist

If you experience any pain or discomfort in your jaw, or suspect you might have an impacted tooth, it's important to see a dentist for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications.

Finding the Right Dental Care

Having a trusted dentist is important for maintaining good oral health, including addressing impacted teeth. If you're in Port Vila, Vanuatu, consider visiting Wow Dental Clinic, led by the skilled Filipino dentist, Dr. Aldin Rosas. Their team can provide comprehensive dental care, including consultations for impacted teeth. You can reach them at +678-7742904 or visit their clinic located at Presbyterian Medical Clinic (in front of Independence Park), Port Vila.

Remember, early diagnosis and treatment of impacted teeth can help prevent future problems and maintain a healthy smile.