When it comes to your child's smile, some teeth make a grand entrance. Others? Not so much!
When a tooth doesn't erupt through the gums as expected, we call that an "impacted tooth." While that may sound concerning, impacted teeth are fairly common in children and are often easier to manage when we catch them early.
At Tatum Pediatric Dentistry, we keep a close eye on growing smiles. This includes monitoring how your child's teeth and jaws develop, which includes watching out for impacted teeth and safeguarding your little one's oral health.
What Is an Impacted Tooth?
An impacted tooth gets stuck beneath the gums or against another tooth instead of erupting normally. Think of it like a car trying to merge into traffic when the lane is blocked. Impacted teeth can affect both baby teeth and permanent teeth, although they occur more often with permanent teeth.
Why Do Teeth Become Impacted?
Several factors can prevent a tooth from erupting properly, including:
- Not enough room in the jaw
- Crowded teeth
- Teeth growing at an unusual angle
- Extra teeth blocking the path
- Baby teeth that don't fall out on time
- Genetics
Because some children show no obvious symptoms, regular dental visits play an important role in early detection.
Common Signs of an Impacted Tooth
An impacted tooth doesn't always cause discomfort, but signs may include:
- A permanent tooth that seems delayed
- Crowded or shifting teeth
- Swollen gums
- Tenderness around a missing tooth
- A bump beneath the gums
If something seems off with your child's smile development, it's worth scheduling an appointment. As we like to say, "When in doubt, let us check it out!"
Which Teeth Are Most Often Impacted?
The teeth most commonly affected include:
- Upper canine teeth
- Premolars
- Wisdom teeth in older teens
Upper canines are especially important because they help guide the bite and support facial appearance.
How Are Impacted Teeth Treated?
During routine exams, we use digital x-rays to monitor developing teeth and identify concerns early.
Depending on the situation, treatment may include:
- Monitoring the tooth
- Removing a baby tooth that's blocking the way
- Creating space with orthodontic treatment
- Referring to an orthodontist or oral surgeon
Keeping Your Child's Smile on Track
Not all impacted teeth can be prevented, but early dental visits help us monitor growth, identify crowding, and recommend treatment at the right time.
If your child has a tooth that seems delayed or you notice unusual spacing or crowding, schedule a visit with our Scottsdale pediatric dentist. We're here to help every smile find its way so your child can keep smiling bright!