What are the symptoms of impacted teeth?

1. Pain or Discomfort
2. Swelling
3. Bad Breath 
4. Difficulty Chewing or Speaking
5. Headaches or Earaches
6. Stiffness in the Jaw
7. Sinus Problems

Impacted teeth are a common dental condition when a tooth cannot emerge properly from the gums. This is often seen with wisdom teeth. It is caused by a lack of space in the mouth, the tooth growing in the wrong direction, or other factors. But what are the symptoms of impacted teeth? 

This blog post tackles some of the most common signs of Impacted teeth. Be aware of these because left untreated, impacted teeth can lead to more severe oral health problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.  Keep reading to learn more!

Pain or Discomfort

When a tooth is impacted, it can put pressure on the surrounding teeth and gums, leading to pain and discomfort in the affected area. The pain may be sharp, or it may be a dull ache that radiates throughout the jaw and face. 

In some cases, the pain can be severe and interfere with daily activities such as eating and speaking. Additionally, impacted teeth can cause swelling and inflammation, contributing to further pain and discomfort. 

Swelling

Swelling is a common symptom of an impacted tooth, but don’t worry, your dentist can help! When a tooth is impacted, it can put pressure on the surrounding tissues, causing inflammation and swelling in the affected area. This swelling can be pretty uncomfortable and may make the affected region tender to the touch.

Sometimes the swelling can extend to other areas of the face and jaw, and you may notice redness and warmth in the affected region. If left untreated, the swelling can worsen and lead to more severe complications, such as an infection. That’s why it’s essential to seek prompt treatment if you experience any swelling in the teeth or gums.

Bad Breath

When a tooth is impacted, it can create a space between it and the gum line where food debris and bacteria can accumulate. This can lead to the development of plaque and tartar, which can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

Also, the inflammation and infection caused by an impacted tooth can cause a foul taste in the mouth. Sometimes, bad breath and foul taste may persist, even after brushing and flossing.

It’s also important to take note that practicing good oral hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing, can help prevent the buildup of bacteria and food debris that can contribute to bad breath and foul taste.

Difficulty Chewing or Speaking

An impacted tooth can cause pressure and inflammation that can lead to swelling in the gums and surrounding tissues. This swelling can make it challenging to move your jaw and tongue and cause difficulty chewing or speaking. Sometimes, you may even experience clicking or popping sounds in your jaw.

Headaches or Earaches

The pressure caused by an impacted tooth can contribute to changes in your bite, causing shifting and pathological sliding of your lower that could cause TMJ disorder. TMJ disorder caused by impacted 3rd molars can lead to headaches or earaches. The pain may be dull and persistent or sharp and intermittent and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as ear ringing or dizziness. 

The headaches or earaches may be misdiagnosed as migraines or ear infections, making it important to seek the advice of a dentist if you experience persistent pain in the head or ears.

Stiffness in the Jaw

As mentioned earlier, an impacted tooth plays a big factor in causing TMJ dysfunction. The muscles responsible for the movement of your jaw can be overworked which leads to stiffness, making it difficult to open and close the mouth, chew, or speak properly. 

The stiffness may be accompanied by clicking or popping sounds in the jaw. Additionally, the stiffness can lead to muscle tension and pain in the surrounding areas, such as the neck and shoulders.

Sinus Problems

An impacted tooth can also lead to sinus problems, particularly if the tooth is located in the upper jaw. The tooth roots can push against the sinus cavity, causing congestion and discomfort. The pressure and inflammation caused by an impacted tooth can make it difficult for the sinuses to drain properly, leading to complications such as sinus infections.

Impacted Teeth and Wisdom Teeth

Impacted teeth and wisdom teeth are closely related. Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Since they are the last teeth to erupt, there may not be enough space in the jaw to accommodate them properly, leading to impacted wisdom teeth.

An impacted tooth does not fully emerge from the gum line or emerges at an angle, pushing against the surrounding teeth and tissues. Wisdom teeth are more prone to becoming impacted due to their location at the back of the mouth and their late emergence.

If improperly erupted wisdom teeth are not removed, they can cause various problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and damage to adjacent teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth can also lead to TMJ discomfort, swelling, and infection.

Therefore, dentists may recommend removing wisdom teeth before they become a problem. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, and the dentist will provide detailed post-operative care instructions. With proper care, the healing process is typically straightforward and uneventful.

Key Takeaway

Now you know the symptoms of impacted teeth, you seek treatment with your dentist as soon as possible. Remember that this kind of toothache is not a regular occurrence for many so it should not be left untreated.

Here at Elevate Dental, our dentists are ready to help evaluate your symptoms and recommend the best treatment possible. We also offer wisdom teeth extraction in case they’re impacted. They can be trapped in your jawbone or gums, which can be painful.  We have the best dentists to help you in your situation.

You can visit our dental clinic in BGC Taguig or contact us here today!