Yes, a tooth can get stuck in your gums; this is known as an impacted tooth.
An impacted tooth is one that's blocked from erupting fully through the gum line. This can happen for a variety of reasons.
Why Do Teeth Get Stuck?
Several factors can lead to a tooth becoming impacted:
- Lack of Space: The most common reason is overcrowding. If there isn't enough room in the jaw for all the teeth to emerge properly, a tooth can become blocked. The jaw might be too small, preventing the tooth from erupting fully.
- Obstructions: Sometimes, other teeth, bone, or even cysts or tumors can physically block a tooth's path.
- Abnormal Position: A tooth may be tilted, twisted, or displaced, preventing it from erupting correctly.
- Thick Gum Tissue or Bone: In some cases, the gum tissue or surrounding bone may be too dense for the tooth to break through naturally.
Common Examples of Impacted Teeth
- Wisdom Teeth (Third Molars): Wisdom teeth are the most commonly impacted teeth because they are the last to erupt, and there is often insufficient space at the back of the jaw.
- Canines: Upper canines are the next most common teeth to become impacted.
What Happens if a Tooth is Impacted?
Impacted teeth can cause several problems:
- Pain and Discomfort: The pressure from the impacted tooth can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw, gums, and surrounding teeth.
- Infection: The area around an impacted tooth is difficult to clean, increasing the risk of infection (pericoronitis).
- Damage to Adjacent Teeth: An impacted tooth can put pressure on adjacent teeth, causing them to shift or become damaged.
- Cyst Formation: In some cases, a cyst can form around the impacted tooth, which can damage the surrounding bone and tissues.
Treatment for Impacted Teeth
The treatment for an impacted tooth depends on the individual case, but it often involves:
- Monitoring: If the impacted tooth is not causing any problems, the dentist may choose to monitor it.
- Extraction: The most common treatment is to remove the impacted tooth through a surgical procedure. This is typically recommended if the tooth is causing pain, infection, or damage to other teeth.
- Orthodontic Treatment: In some cases, if the impacted tooth is in a good position, orthodontic treatment (braces) can be used to help guide the tooth into its proper position.
