6 Things You Need to Know About Impacted Front Teeth

An impacted front tooth is not just painful; it can seriously impact your appearance and self-confidence. When impacted front teeth don’t erupt fully, it can also affect your bite alignment and oral function. Fortunately, an experienced oral surgeon like Dr. German Trujillo at Pearlmax Oral Surgery in San Diego, California, can help you restore your smile and dental health.

1. Understand Impacted Front Teeth and What Causes Them

An impacted front tooth is a tooth that doesn’t properly come in. It is stuck in the gum or bone, and impacted teeth can cause several different things. Sometimes, there’s not enough space for the tooth to emerge. Sometimes, another tooth blocks the path of the tooth trying to come in.

Genetics can also affect tooth development. A front tooth can become impacted if you have extra teeth or unusual growth.

2. Symptoms of Impacted Front Teeth

It isn’t easy to spot impacted front teeth, especially in the early stages. But you can watch for these common symptoms, most often occurring in children and teenagers who are having permanent teeth come in.

• A tooth is delayed in coming in.
• A front tooth is missing.
• Pain or tenderness in the gums where the tooth is supposed to come in.
• A visible bulge where the tooth should be.
• Nearby teeth are crowding or shifting.
• Difficulty biting or chewing food.
• Unusual gaps or spaces.

3. Early Diagnosis and Consultation Are Crucial

An impacted front tooth can cause serious dental problems later on, immediately affecting pain. With early diagnosis at Pearlmax Oral Surgery, you can have a simpler treatment than may be required if you wait. 

4. The Role of Advanced Technology in Diagnosing Impacted Teeth

To pinpoint an impacted front tooth, Dr. Trujillo must do more than just a physical exam. He’ll use advanced 3D imaging and digital X-rays to see the tooth’s exact position, along with the surrounding roots and your bone structure. 

5. Treatment Options for an Impacted Front Tooth

Treatment for an impacted front tooth will depend on where the tooth is located and how old the patient is. A surgical procedure that exposes the tooth can be performed using eruption aids. Then, the patient will need braces or other orthodontic devices to guide the tooth to where it needs to go. More complex cases may require surgical extraction. 

6. Surgical Extraction: When Removing the Impacted Tooth Is the Best Option

Surgical extraction of an impacted front tooth is recommended in these scenarios:

• The tooth is angled in a way that keeps it from erupting properly. 
• Surrounding teeth or roots are damaged.
• Cysts or infections developed around the area.
• There is no space to guide the tooth into the correct place.
• Orthodontic treatment wouldn’t be successful. 

Schedule a Consultation for Impacted Front Teeth in San Diego, CA

If either you or your child has symptoms of an impacted front tooth, it’s important not to delay. Reach out to Dr. German Trujillo and the staff at Pearlmax Oral Surgery right away to resolve this issue. The office is located at 4520 Executive Dr # 220, San Diego, California, 92121. You can use our online form to schedule an appointment or call (858) 434-7554 today.

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