Impacted and Missing Teeth
Impacted Teeth.
Classification of Teeth Overview
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Impactions can be caused by improper positioning of the developing tooth bud. This can keep the tooth from coming into the mouth. Impactions can also be caused by early loss of primary teeth or crowding of teeth. Wisdom teeth are the most commonly impacted teeth. Canines and premolars can also be impacted.
Impactions should be corrected because they can:
- cause damage to the root structure of adjacent teeth
- interfere with the sinus cavity
- leave unwanted spaces
- lead to improper functioning of the teeth
- cause premature wear of the teeth
- case asymmetric alignment of the teeth
Multiple Impactions
How can impacted teeth be orthodontically corrected?
After braces are in place and space has been created for the impacted tooth, a small incision is made in the gum tissue to access the impacted tooth. After the tooth has been accessed it can be brought into the correct position over the course of a several months. Correction of impacted teeth may require that this procedure be performed by an oral surgeon working closely with our practice. This will allow us to then guide eruption of the impacted tooth into proper position.
Missing Teeth.
When a tooth or teeth that should normally be present do not develop, they are missing. This can be caused by trauma or genetic lack of development. Multiple missing teeth frequently run in families.
This problem should be corrected because it can:
- cause improper functioning of teeth
- cause premature wear of teeth
- cause asymmetric alignment of the teeth
- make your smile less attractive
How can missing teeth be orthodontically corrected?
In some situations, the next tooth back (behind the space of the missing tooth) can be brought forward into the place of the missing tooth. This is called substitution. In other cases, the spaces are left open so that a bridge or dental implant can be placed in the area of the missing teeth.