3 Consequences Of A Dental Impaction

Dentist Blog

If you wear braces and one or more of your wisdom teeth become impacted, make an appointment with your orthodontist. While an impacted wisdom tooth is typically not considered a dental emergency, failing to seek the expertise of your orthodontist may lead to problems. Here are three consequences of a dental impaction and what you can do about them:

Ill-Fitting Braces

Wisdom teeth do not always erupt correctly and, therefore, can start to emerge through your gum tissue crooked or sideways. If you wear braces, a sideways-emerging wisdom tooth can push your other teeth out of place.

Because of this, your braces may feel too tight and may even become ineffective at treating your orthodontic problem. Your orthodontist may recommend that you make an appointment with an oral surgeon, who will further evaluate your dental impaction and, if needed, schedule you for a tooth extraction.

Purulent Infection

Because an impacted wisdom tooth is often stuck in a tight place with limited circulation, an infection known as a purulent infection can develop. A purulent infection refers to the presence of pus and, if not recognized and treated as soon as possible, can spread to other parts of your body.

If you notice a bad taste in your mouth, especially when chewing or biting down, see your orthodontist. If he or she discovers purulent drainage around your impacted tooth during your examination, you may need to take antibiotics to clear the microorganisms from your oral cavity. It is extremely important that you finish your entire course of antibiotics because if you do not, the infection may not fully resolve.

Jaw Pain

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause severe jaw pain. This pain can be compounded each time you visit your orthodontist for a tightening appointment. While having your braces tightened doesn't cause significant pain, it can lead to mild discomfort.

If you develop significant pain from an impacted tooth, your orthodontist can recommend effective treatment options such as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, hot compresses, and gentle massage. If your pain does not get better, your dentist may recommend that you take prescription pain medication to help you stay comfortable.

If you develop a dental impaction, see your orthodontist right away to make sure that your braces are still in good working condition. If your dentist feels that your orthodontic treatment is being hampered by your impacted wisdom teeth, he or she will develop an effective treatment plan to resolve your oral problems. 

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28 August 2018

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