Certain conditions and problems within the smile can arise without notice. One issue that can arise is that of dental impaction. The team at Schmitt Dental in Clarksville and Brentwood, TN, can assist with this and many other dental concerns that may impact the smile. Knowing what dental impaction is, and being aware of the signs and symptoms, can help you educate yourself on conditions that might need immediate or emergency treatment. If you are interested in learning more about dental impaction, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions.
What is dental impaction?
Dental impaction is the process of a tooth becoming lodged in the jawbone or gums. This causes the tooth to become “stuck” and unable to erupt through the gum line.
What are the symptoms of dental impaction?
The symptoms of dental impaction can vary depending on the severity of the condition. However, some common symptoms include:
- Pain in the affected tooth
- Swelling in the gums around the affected tooth
- Redness in the gums around the affected tooth
- Difficulty chewing or biting down on food
What are the causes of dental impaction?
Dental impaction can happen due to various reasons, such as crowding of the teeth, incorrect positioning of the teeth, tooth decay, gum disease, or injury. Regardless, it often needs immediate attention because of the pain and discomfort that can result.
How is dental impaction treated?
The treatment for dental impaction will vary depending on the underlying cause. In most situations, the best way to treat dental impaction is to remove the tooth. This often requires dental surgery but is done with proper anesthetics and sedation to ensure patient comfort from start to finish.
What is the prognosis for dental impaction?
Impacted teeth can cause pain, swelling, and other dental problems if they are not treated promptly. With proper treatment, patients can seek a solution to alleviate these complications and bring their smiles back to health. A proper diagnosis of the condition, as well as treatment, can get patients back to a healthier smile.
Do you need an extraction done for an impacted tooth?
Call the office of Schmitt Dental today at one of our three office locations in the areas of Brentwood and Clarksville, TN, to request an appointment.