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 Impacted Teeth
Impactions (improperly erupting teeth, unerupted teeth, or blocked-out teeth) can be caused by improper positioning of the developing tooth bud. This can cause the tooth to fail to erupt into the mouth. Impactions can also be caused by early loss of primary ("baby") teeth or crowding of the teeth. Wisdom teeth are the most commonly impacted teeth, but canines and premolars ("bicuspids") are also commonly impacted.
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Impacted teeth 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, and shifts in the midline
be associated with the development of a cyst (or, in very rare instances, with a tumor)
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Before
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After
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Impacted Canine
Pre-treatment
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Impacted Canine
Post-treatment
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How can impacted teeth be corrected?
If detected early, the simple treatment of using braces to expand space for the eruption of the tooth is all that is required to allow the impacted tooth to erupt. This is another instance demonstrating the importance of an early orthodontic evaluation (by age 7 or so).
In other cases, the braces are placed on the adjacent teeth, and the impacted tooth is exposed by your dentist, or by an oral surgeon. A brace is attached to this tooth, and, over the course of a few months, the tooth is brought into the correct position in the mouth.
Missing Teeth
This is a condition wherein there is the absence of a tooth or teeth that should normally be present. This can be caused by trauma or lack of development (known as "congenitally missing teeth"). There are, in fact, some "syndromes" that involve multiple missing teeth.
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What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything and can smile with confidence, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved.
The implants themselves are tiny titanium posts which are inserted into the jawbone where teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as tooth root substitutes. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implant which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. Implants also help preserve facial structure, preventing the bone deterioration that occurs when teeth are missing.
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The Surgical Procedure:
For most patients, the placement of dental implants involves two surgical procedures. First, implants are placed within your jawbone. For the first three to six months following surgery, the implants are beneath the surface of the gums gradually bonding with the jawbone.You should be able to eat a soft diet during this time. At the same time, your dentist is forming new replacement teeth.
After the implant has bonded to the jawbone, the second phase begins. The oral surgeon will uncover the implants and attach small posts which will act as anchors for the artificial teeth. These posts protrude through the gums. When the artificial teeth are placed these posts will not be seen. The entire procedure usually takes six to eight months. Most patients experience minimal disruption in their daily life.
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