A dentist examines a patients mouth with dental tools while a dental assistant assists, both wearing masks and gloves in a dental clinic.

 The Silent Threat: Why a Horizontal Impaction Needs Attention

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If you experience the occasional jaw pain or a constant dull ache, it is easy to dismiss it as something that will pass. However, it may be the subtle sign of a more serious but often ignored issue—horizontal impaction. Left unaddressed, this can have a significant impact on your oral health. We see a lot of horizontal impactions in Indianapolis, IN, at Indiana Emergency Dental.

What Is a Horizontal Impaction?

A horizontal impaction means the tooth sits parallel to the gumline. It may be stuck in the jawbone or sitting in its normal position in the soft tissue, just turned sideways. Technically, this can happen to any adult tooth, but it is most common in wisdom teeth, which are the last to erupt.

What Causes a Horizontal Impaction?

Many factors can contribute to horizontal tooth impaction. There may not be enough space in the mouth, causing a misalignment of the other teeth. This misalignment can push the wisdom tooth enough that it sits at an angle in the jawbone.

It may also be a genetic issue. Horizontal impactions tend to run in families. Another possibility is jaw size. A smaller jaw may not have enough space for the molars.

What Are the Symptoms of a Horizontal Impaction?

Horizontal impactions are sometimes called a silent threat because they can exist without you knowing they are there. There may be no symptoms. Still, they can cause significant problems left untreated, such as:

  • Damage to nearby teeth
  • Infection
  • Cyst formation

Regularly seeing your dentist in Indianapolis, IN, is your best hope for early intervention. The dentist will monitor the adult teeth with advanced imaging technology like 3D X-rays to ensure they grow properly, especially between the ages of 17 and 25. That is when the wisdom teeth make their appearance. Early detection of a horizontal impaction can prevent serious complications later and protect the health of all your teeth.

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What’s a Horizontal Impaction?

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Horizontal impactions can be uncomfortable and often downright painful. If you have never had your wisdom teeth removed but you’re experiencing pain and other symptoms in the back of your mouth, you may have horizontal impaction.

The professionals at Indiana Emergency Dental can help. As your dentist in Indianapolis, IN, we help with problems like horizontal impaction. Here’s what you need to know.

Horizontal Impaction Explained

A horizontal impaction is a problem that occurs when a wisdom tooth that has not erupted is lying sideways in the gums, pressed against the other teeth. Horizontal impactions can put a lot of pressure on other teeth, and that can cause pain.

Signs of a Horizontal Impaction

One of the most obvious signs of horizontal impaction is pain, but there are other symptoms. If you have horizontal impaction, you may experience:

  • Swelling around the tooth
  • Difficulty opening your mouth
  • Red, bleeding gums
  • Bad breath that can’t be fixed by brushing your teeth

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, see a dentist. These symptoms can be signs of many problems, and it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis from a trained professional.

What Can Be Done?

If you have a horizontal impaction, you may need a tooth extraction in Indianapolis, IN. This is a surgical procedure to remove a wisdom tooth and relieve the pressure on your other teeth. The dental professionals at Indiana Emergency Dental can help.

We offer tooth extraction services and can also diagnose your impacted wisdom tooth. If you believe you may have this problem or another dental problem, call today to make an appointment and see one of our dental professionals.