Has your dentist mentioned the term “impacted teeth,” and you’re wondering what it means for your teen? Impacted teeth occur when a tooth fails to fully emerge from the gums, often because there isn’t enough space in the jaw. While it’s a common issue for teens, particularly with wisdom teeth, it can sometimes lead to complications that require surgery.
If left untreated, impacted teeth can cause pain, misalignment, or even gum infections. Knowing what to look for can save your teen from unnecessary discomfort and complications. This article will walk you through five telltale signs your teen might need surgery for impacted teeth and what steps to take next.
What Are Impacted Teeth?
Before we get into the signs, it’s helpful to understand what impacted teeth are. Simply put, these are teeth that cannot fully erupt into their proper position in the jawline. This is especially common with wisdom teeth, but other teeth like canines can also be impacted. At Smile Professionals Dentistry, patients receive exceptional care from a team committed to excellence, proudly earning the reputation of Top Dentist Orange County.
While some teens may live without any noticeable symptoms, others experience pain, inflammation, or more severe complications. Early intervention is crucial to prevent these issues, and in many cases, surgical extraction or correction might be necessary.
Signs That Your Teen Might Need Surgery for Impacted Teeth
1. Persistent Jaw Pain or Discomfort
Teens might chalk up jaw pain to braces or everyday soreness, but persistent (or worsening) pain could be a warning of impacted teeth. When teeth struggle to erupt, they can press against the nerves or nearby teeth, causing discomfort.
If you notice your teen rubbing their jaw frequently or avoiding hard foods, it’s time to consult an expert. An initial examination by your dentist can help determine if any teeth are impacted and whether surgery might be necessary.
2. Swollen or Inflamed Gums
Swelling, redness, or tenderness in the gums around the back of the mouth can indicate an impacted wisdom tooth. Similarly, this inflammation might appear in other areas of the gum line for non-wisdom teeth like canines.
Sometimes, the gum tissue around impacted teeth can become infected, leading to a condition known as pericoronitis. This not only causes pain but can make the area more prone to bacterial infections, which might require immediate surgical attention.
3. Difficulty Opening the Mouth or Chewing
Is your teen complaining that it hurts to chew, or do they seem to avoid certain foods altogether? Limitations in mouth movement or difficulty chewing could point to severe impaction.
When wisdom teeth or other impacted teeth are misaligned or trapped, they may cause muscle stiffness. In severe cases, the pressure from impaction interferes with basic movements like talking or eating. Surgical removal can often alleviate these issues.
4. Crowded or Misaligned Teeth
Do your teen’s teeth seem to be shifting out of alignment despite recent orthodontic work? Impacted teeth can place pressure on neighboring teeth, leading to overcrowding or crookedness in an otherwise straight smile.
Crowding caused by impacted wisdom teeth often becomes most apparent during the late teenage years. A dentist might recommend surgery to prevent the situation from worsening, especially for teens who have recently finished orthodontic treatment.
Tip: If your family is located near Texas, and this scenario applies, consider seeking guidance for tooth implant in Hutto TX to address alignment concerns down the road.
5. Recurring Headaches or Ear Pain
Another overlooked symptom of impacted teeth is recurring headaches or unusual ear pain. The discomfort from impacted wisdom teeth, in particular, can radiate outward, causing pressure that travels through the jaw, head, or ears.
Your teen might complain of dull, throbbing aches in these areas without realizing they’re connected to dental issues. If other symptoms of impaction are present alongside frequent headaches, it’s a clear signal to visit the dentist.
What Happens if Impacted Teeth Are Left Untreated?
It’s tempting to wait it out and hope impacted teeth will correct themselves, but this approach can lead to larger problems. Untreated impacted teeth may result in:
- Chronic pain that disrupts day-to-day life.
- Oral infections that spread to other parts of the body.
- Damage to surrounding teeth, including tooth decay or structural weakening.
- Cysts or tumors, although rare, which can develop near impacted teeth.
Prompt surgery not only alleviates current discomfort but also prevents future complications, saving time, money, and frustration down the line.
What’s the Next Step?
If you suspect your teen has impacted teeth, your first call should be to a trusted dentist or orthodontist. They will likely recommend X-rays or other imaging tests to assess tooth positioning and determine how severe the impaction is.
If surgery is required, a specialist such as an oral surgeon will guide you through the process, from preoperative preparation to recovery. The goal of surgery is to create a healthier, more comfortable smile for your teen.
Set Your Teen Up for a Pain-Free Smile
Recognizing the early signs of impacted teeth can make all the difference in your teen’s oral health. Whether it’s persistent jaw pain, difficulty chewing, or misaligned teeth, these red flags shouldn’t be overlooked.
Take action today by scheduling a consultation with your dentist. If you’re in the Texas area, particularly near Hutto, TX, look into options for a tooth implant in Hutto TX to guide your teen’s oral health to its best possible future.
