What Are Impacted Teeth?
As teeth develop, they typically break through the gum line and settle into their natural positions. However, in some cases, teeth become trapped beneath the surface, unable to fully emerge. This condition, known as impaction, can cause discomfort and lead to other dental complications. Impacted teeth, whether primary or permanent, can occur due to factors like lack of space or misalignment. At Coyne Oral Surgery, we specialize in surgical orthodontic exposure to help relieve the discomfort of impacted teeth and restore your smile. Reach out to our office in Franklin, TN to learn more about treatment options and schedule a consultation with Dr. Cathleen Coyne.
How Do You Treat Impacted Teeth?
At your visit, we'll take an x-ray of your jaw, which will help Dr. Coyne see exactly where the impacted tooth is and how to proceed. Dr. Coyne will use this information to choose the best treatment option tailored to your needs. Depending on the severity of the impaction, Dr. Coyne may recommend extracting the tooth to prevent further complications. For impacted canines, we can perform a procedure to expose the tooth, allowing it to be guided into position with the help of an orthodontic device. Most treatments are done under local anesthesia, but we can discuss more powerful sedation options for your comfort during the procedure. Depending on your needs, we may also work closely with other specialists to ensure you get the comprehensive care you need for impacted teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Treating Impacted Teeth?
Addressing impacted teeth can prevent serious dental issues and significantly improve your overall oral health. Beyond this, treating impacted teeth also helps address specific concerns and provides key benefits, such as:
- Relieves pain from pressure on nearby teeth and tissues
- Prevents infections by stopping bacteria buildup
- Protects surrounding teeth from damage or shifting
- Improves tooth alignment and bite function
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Tooth Impaction?
Adults and kids may be living with impacted teeth, but the likelihood of a tooth erupting properly often decreases with age. Although tooth impaction can occur with any tooth, Dr. Coyne most often sees it affect third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, as well as the canines, also referred to as eye teeth or cuspids. In some cases, an impacted tooth may not disrupt oral health and can be safely monitored over time. However, when an impacted tooth begins to interfere with oral hygiene, causes jaw pain, or contributes to infection or discomfort, seeking professional care at Coyne Oral Surgery may be recommended. Patients who are candidates for tooth impaction treatment or surgical tooth exposure often include those experiencing the following concerns:
- Immature permanent teeth that have not fully developed or erupted
- An abnormally small jaw or narrow dental arch that limits space for proper eruption
- Extra teeth in the jaw, also known as supernumerary teeth
- Dental overcrowding that prevents normal tooth alignment
- Pain or swelling affecting the mouth, jaw, or lower face
- Crooked, rotated, or improperly positioned teeth impacting bite alignment
- Delayed tooth eruption beyond expected developmental timelines
- Cysts or soft tissue masses blocking the eruption pathway
- Traumatic mouth or jaw injuries that disrupt normal tooth movement
Impacted Teeth Reviews
Dr. Coyne and her staff are friendly, competent, thorough, and above all fantastic oral surgeons. I had 8 impacted teeth removed. They did an absolutely great job of making sure I was comfortable with the procedure and answered all of my questions. I highly recommend them
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I don't treat an impacted tooth?
If an impacted tooth is left untreated, it can lead to a variety of complications. These may include persistent pain, infection, damage to surrounding teeth, cysts, or misalignment of your smile. Over time, these issues can worsen and require more extensive treatment. Addressing an impacted tooth early with Coyne Oral Surgery can help ensure better oral health in the long run.
Is treatment for an impacted tooth painful?
Treatment for an impacted tooth is performed under local anesthesia, which keeps you comfortable during the procedure. We also offer sedation options for patients with higher levels of anxiety or more complex cases. Afterward, some soreness and swelling are normal, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and following post-operative care instructions provided by Dr. Coyne.
Can an impacted tooth resolve on its own?
An impacted tooth will not resolve on its own. Without proper treatment in Franklin, TN, the tooth remains trapped beneath the gum line, potentially causing greater discomfort and complications over time. Seeking professional care is essential to address the issue and prevent long-term oral health problems. We can evaluate your case and determine the best course of action to treat the impacted tooth.
Find Relief with Impacted Teeth Removal
Impacted teeth can lead to serious issues like infection, pain, and tooth misalignment. Dr. Coyne has extensive experience helping patients in Franklin, TN, with personalized treatment options. If you're dealing with impacted teeth, contact Coyne Oral Surgery to schedule a consultation and begin restoring your oral health.