Ignoring an Impacted Tooth Could Result in Tooth Decay
Posted on 6/7/2021 by Office - Boone DMD
Impaction occurs when a tooth does not erupt. Often the tooth cannot erupt as there is not room on the gum line. When this occurs, action needs to be taken so that tooth decay does not happen in the future. If we can help you understand the importance of taking care of your impacted tooth, this could save you from tooth decay and numerous other dental issues.
How Impacted Teeth Decay
The most common impacted teeth are the wisdom teeth. After those teeth, the canine teeth claim second place. The wisdom teeth are harder to clean than other teeth as they take residence in the very back of your mouth. It is difficult to brush back there. Bacteria have a way of getting trapped between the gum and the partially erupted tooth. If the bacteria do not get swept away, tooth decay occurs. This could lead to cavities forming on the partially erupted tooth. Keeping your teeth clean is important. Flossing can be difficult with an impacted or partially impacted tooth, but it is important. Rinsing can also help to keep bacteria swept away. Our dental hygienists can help you navigate the options for keeping your teeth clean and demonstrate best practices on your teeth.
Since bacteria around an impacted tooth is an important factor, scheduling your routine checkup is paramount. We can quickly detect how much bacteria might be around the impacted tooth. In addition, we can also talk you through some options of how to guide the tooth into the gum line, or what to do with the impacted tooth. Impaction can be addressed so tooth decay does not occur. Stop by our office today or call to make an appointment so we can help you determine the next best step in your treatment.