About this topic
An impacted tooth is one that lies beneath the gum tissue. It has not fully come through the gums to reach its normal place in the mouth. This most often happens with third molars. Third molars are also known as the "wisdom teeth. " � � �
An impacted tooth can cause pain, infection, and gum disease. It may also hurt. An impacted tooth may also affect your other teeth. Not all impacted teeth need treatment. If you do need treatment, your dentist may suggest pulling the tooth or using braces to help the tooth into its proper position. � �
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your dentist what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your care at home is based on the treatment you need to your impacted tooth. If you are:
- Having surgery, talk with your dentist about what you need to do before the procedure.
- Having your tooth repositioned with braces, you will need to go see an orthodontist.
- Keeping your tooth, learn what signs you need to watch for.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your dentist may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need more x-rays or treatment. � �
What drugs may be needed?
The dentist may order drugs to fight an infection or treat pain. You may also be told to take over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to: � �
- Help with pain and swelling, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). These are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).
- Help with pain, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
What problems could happen?
- Infection around the impacted tooth or where the impacted tooth was treated
- Pain that is not controlled by the drugs you are taking
- Crooked bite
- Plaque trapped between teeth and gums
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 � �F (38 � �C) or higher, chills, very bad sore throat, or pain.
- Pain or swelling in your gums, jaw, neck, or face that is getting worse
- Redness in your gums
- Headache that does not go away
- Trouble opening your mouth
- Bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: � �
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what treatment I will need for my tooth.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have too much swelling, pain, or redness in my gums.
Where can I learn more?
Academy of General Dentistry � �
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=W&iid=340&aid=1366 � �
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=w&iid=340&aid=4149 � �
American Dental Association � �
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/wisdom-teeth � �
KidsHealth � �
http://kidshealth.org/teen/expert/illness/impacted_teeth.html � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
Copyright
Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �