Description An impacted tooth i...
Description
An impacted tooth is a tooth that gets blocked as it is pushing through the gum into the mouth (erupting). Wisdom teeth (third molars) often are impacted. They may become impacted because the jaw doesn't have enough room for them. An impacted tooth may be painless. However, when an impacted wisdom tooth tries to come in, the flap of gum on top of it can become infected, swollen, and painful (pericoronitis).
Symptoms
Swelling of the gum in the back of the mouth, difficulty opening the jaw, bad breath, bad taste, pain upon opening the mouth, chewing or biting.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. X-rays may be taken to see where the teeth are.
Tests:
X-ray
Specialists:
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dentistry, Dentistry - Pediatric
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. X-rays may be taken to see where the teeth are.
Tests:
X-ray
Specialists:
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dentistry, Dentistry - Pediatric
Treatment
Treatment includes relieving pain with warm salt-water rinses and over-the-counter pain medicine. If pain continues or the area becomes infected, the tooth usually needs to be extracted. Some teeth may be extracted using only local anesthesia. Depending on where the impacted tooth is and its position, intravenous sedation or general anesthesia may be required. Swelling of the cheeks and jaw is likely after the extraction. It may be difficult to eat certain foods for a few days. To permit normal healing, smoking should be avoided for three days after the extraction.