Impacted teeth occur when there is not enough room in the jaw for a tooth to emerge. This common dental issue requires prompt treatment to avoid complications, such as pain, infection, and damage to nearby teeth. But what are the best treatment options for impacted teeth? As an orthodontic patient at Burlingame Smile Studio, it is crucial to be aware of your options to make an informed decision. In this blog post, we will explore the best treatment options for impacted teeth to help you manage this dental issue with ease.
1. Extraction
One of the most common treatment options for impacted teeth is extraction. When a tooth is impacted, it may cause pain, and discomfort, and increase the risk of infections. In some cases, the impacted tooth may also affect nearby teeth, causing alignment issues. Extraction involves removing the impacted tooth, which eliminates the pain and reduces the risk of infections. The extraction process is relatively straightforward, and it typically takes an hour or less. After the procedure, your orthodontist may recommend follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.
2. Exposure and Bonding
Exposure and bonding are treatment options that are typically recommended when the impacted tooth is visible or just partially covered by the gum. Exposure involves cutting through the gum tissue to reveal the impacted tooth. Bonding, on the other hand, involves attaching an orthodontic bracket to the exposed tooth using dental adhesive. Your orthodontist may then use braces to align the impacted tooth with the rest of your teeth. Exposure and bonding procedures are minimally invasive, and they typically take less than an hour to complete.
3. Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is usually the last resort for treating impacted teeth. It is typically recommended when the patient’s jaw is too small to accommodate all his or her teeth, leading to crowding and impaction. Orthognathic surgery involves repositioning or reshaping the jawbone to create enough room for the impacted tooth to emerge. It is a complex and invasive procedure that requires careful planning and preparation. Your orthodontist will perform a thorough evaluation to determine if orthognathic surgery is necessary for your specific dental issue.
4. Watchful Waiting
In some cases, your orthodontist may recommend watchful waiting as a treatment option for impacted teeth. This approach involves monitoring the impacted tooth and assessing its progress over time. If the impacted tooth does not cause any issues, your orthodontist may recommend leaving it in place. However, if the impacted tooth starts to cause pain or infections, you may need to consider other treatment options, such as extraction or exposure and bonding.
Impacted teeth can be a challenging dental issue to manage, but with the right treatment, you can alleviate the symptoms and prevent complications. The best treatment option for your impacted tooth will depend on various factors, such as the location of the impacted tooth, its size, and its impact on nearby teeth. By working closely with your orthodontist, you can make an informed decision on the best treatment option for your specific dental issue. Remember that early intervention is crucial to prevent complications, so make sure to schedule regular dental checkups to maintain your oral health.
Contact Dr. April Lee at Burlingame Smile Studio we serve Burlingame, CA, Hillsborough, and Millbrae.
(650) 231-2680
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1740 Marco Polo Way Ste 12
Burlingame, California
94010
