What is an impacted tooth?

It's not just wisdom teeth that can be impacted, unfortunately. An impact occurs when a tooth does not "erupt" through the gumline. This can be caused by a number of different factors, the most common being overcrowding of the teeth already in place. Untreated impacted teeth can lead to overcrowding, root damage, and general misalignment of the teeth.

With an impacted tooth, children can experience difficulty chewing, tenderness, and a drop in self-esteem caused by the look of crowded teeth. Our orthodontist may opt to remove the impacted tooth, crowded teeth that are blocking the tooth, or both. In many instances, removing any baby teeth that haven't fallen out in a timely fashion is all that is required to fix the problem. Braces, retainers, and oral surgery are other possible solutions, depending on the level of impaction and the location of the tooth.

Time is of the essence when it comes to correcting an impacted tooth or teeth. Further misalignment can occur if the situation isn't addressed, which in turn, can lead to more complications down the road. If you are noticing any issues with your child's oral health, remember that the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children receive a comprehensive exam around the age of 7. Our staff is happy to answer any questions that you may have about your child's teeth and overall oral health.

Dr. Frugé, your Baton Rouge orthodontist, is here to provide treatment for impacted teeth, no matter your age or the severity of the impaction. There is no reason to suffer from impacted teeth - call the team at Frugé Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation.