Impacted Teeth: What Are They and Treatment Options

An impacted tooth (ingrown tooth) is one that has not erupted above the gum line. Instead, the tooth stays trapped” in the bone or gingival tissue. Left untreated, this can cause pain, infection, and other health complications. At Pearlmax Oral Surgery, our dental team has the technology, skills, and experience to diagnose and treat impacted teeth. So, whether you have an impacted canine or molar, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Dr. German Trujillo for a long-lasting solution.

What are impacted teeth?

Impacted teeth occur when teeth can’t grow properly on their own, maybe something is obstructing them (baby teeth failing to fall out), or there is not enough room for all the teeth (wisdom teeth). Impaction causes teeth to get stuck beneath the gum line or barely push out of the gum line.

Although impacted teeth may not initially present issues, they can endanger your dental well-being in the long run. For example, if wisdom teeth are horizontally impacted, they can exert pressure on neighboring teeth, leading to discomfort. Tooth impaction can manifest in other ways, including angular impaction, where the tooth grows at an angle, or vertical impaction, where nearby teeth block the tooth and cannot erupt normally. Regardless of the impaction type, treatment is necessary because it’s highly probable that impaction will cause problems.

Impacted Teeth

Treating impacted teeth

One size does not fit all when it comes to treating impacted teeth. After a careful evaluation, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend the treatment options below:

  • Eruption aids: If you have an impacted canine, eruption aids such as braces are ideal for treatment. Treating tooth impaction with braces involves a minor surgical procedure to expose the trapped tooth. Then, we attach a small ring to the tooth, connected to the metal braces with a small chain. The chain’s tension gradually pulls the impacted tooth into position with other teeth. Where necessary, your orthodontist can use traditional braces to adjust the tooth to proper alignment.
  • Surgical extraction: When a tooth cannot be saved, or there isn’t enough space to grow, extraction is the optimal solution.

In several cases, retaining an impacted tooth may not be viable, leading to extraction. The best way towards a proper diagnosis or treatment is by consulting an experienced oral surgeon. If you are in San Diego, CA, please call (858) 434-7554 to schedule an appointment with Pearlmax Oral Surgery. We will devise the best treatment plan to suit your oral health needs.