Tooth impaction is a condition when the growth of wisdom teeth in adults becomes obstructed or incomplete due to not having enough space to grow and come out of the jawbone and gums. This condition is characterized by wisdom teeth or third molar teeth growing obliquely like "lying down" towards the adjacent teeth. In some cases, this condition can cause pain, and swelling in the sufferer due to an infection around the tooth. If the infection is not treated further, tooth impaction can damage nearby teeth, and inflammation can cause severe infection (severe) which can extend to the lungs and is characterized by swelling, difficulty opening the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath.
Why Does Tooth Impaction Occur?
Basically, tooth impaction occurs when one or more parts of the permanent tooth cannot grow properly which can be caused by several factors, such as:
- Jaw size that is too small so that there is not enough room for teething
- Other teeth have grown in an irregular position so that the growth of the wisdom teeth is blocked
- Baby teeth that are too late to break prevent the growth of permanent teeth
What Are the Symptoms of Impacted Teeth?
Usually, the symptoms of impacted teeth will be felt and will develop over time due to food debris getting into the gaps of the impacted teeth. Some of the symptoms can include:
- Bad breath
- Pain and swelling in the gums
- Prolonged pain in the head
- Toothache when biting
- A gap appears between the impacted tooth and the adjacent tooth
- There is swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck
How to deal with impacted teeth?
In cases with repeated symptoms and complaints, the action recommended by the doctor for tooth impaction is to remove the tooth, through dental surgery so that the pain and symptoms are not prolonged or repeated which has the potential for severe infection (severe). However, here are some ways that can be done to deal with symptoms or pain that occurs temporarily:
- Cold compresses the painful part
The pain that is felt in patients with impacted teeth can be reduced by compressing using ice cubes on the jaw. This is because ice can have a numbing effect if left alone for some time on the painful part. - Gargle with warm salt water
Gargling with salt water is one way that can be done to help reduce bad bacteria in the mouth, so that the pain caused by the buildup of bacteria in the mouth and teeth can subside. - Take pain relievers
If the pain that is felt is very disturbing, then people with impacted teeth can try to relieve it by taking pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
That's the causes, symptoms, and how to deal with the symptoms of tooth impaction. If you or your closest relative has an impacted tooth that is swollen and very painful, immediately consult a trusted doctor so you can take further action.
The article was written by drg. Faulina, Sp.BM (Oral Surgeon Dentist, EMC Tangerang Hospital).