Symptoms of an Impacted Tooth

Knowing when to seek help for a dental problem is one of the keys to optimal oral health. In particular, there are certain signs and symptoms you should be aware of relating to an impacted tooth. If you suspect you have an impacted tooth in Indianapolis, IN, contact Indiana Emergency Dental right away for help.

Symptoms of an Impacted Tooth

The following are the most common symptoms of an impacted tooth. However, note that symptoms may vary depending upon how the tooth is impacted, and other individual circumstances. If you suspect that you have an impacted tooth, contact your dentist for an official diagnosis and treatment.

Pain and/or Discomfort

Often, an impacted tooth will cause pain and/or chronic discomfort. It may be persistent, throbbing or intermittent, and can range from mild to intense. Sometimes the pain gets worse when biting down on the area, due to the added pressure.

Swelling and Redness

The gum tissue around the affected area often becomes inflamed, causing redness and swelling. You may even notice that your cheek is swollen and tender. If you put your hand to your cheek, there may be a noticeable warmth, too.

Halitosis

Impacted teeth often lead to infection. This infection causes halitosis, commonly called bad breath. It may even manifest as an unpleasant taste in the mouth, or a bad odor in your nose, even though nothing in the outside environment is odorous.

Headache or Earache

Another common symptom of an infected tooth is a headache or earache. This is because pain and pressure often radiates to other areas in the nerve network.

An impacted tooth should never be ignored, as it will always worsen, jeopardizing your other teeth and your overall health. Contact your Indianapolis, IN dentist at Indiana Emergency Dental to learn more or for emergency dental assistance.