Emergencies

Gums are the soft tissue that covers the jaw bone and surrounds the roots of the teeth.

A tooth can become impacted when it is obstructed and cannot erupt normally. Another tooth often causes this obstruction.

• A "bony impaction" occurs when the impacted tooth fails to get out of the bone at all.
• A tooth is considered "soft tissue impacted" when it has emerged from the bone, but an obstruction prevents the tooth from making it through the soft tissue.
• If part of the impacted tooth is encased in bone, and part of it is covered by soft tissue, it is considered a "partial bony impaction."
• Sometimes a tooth fails to move into the mouth normally for reasons other than an obstruction. The root may become fused to the jawbone in a condition known as ankylosis. Ankylosis is not uncommon, and can happen with either primary or permanent teeth. Your dentist or a specialist may be able to detach these teeth with a surgical procedure which may enable the tooth to move into the mouth normally.

A primary goal of dental pain management is to take the proper steps to stay ahead of discomfort so it doesn't deteriorate into pain.

Your dentist will consider a variety of medications when developing a pain management strategy. There is no specific regimen that is guaranteed to produce the right level of pain relief for everyone in every situation. Your dentist will consider factors including your health, lifestyle, and medications you take when recommending an appropriate strategy.

Third molars are commonly referred to as wisdom teeth. These teeth typically erupt between the ages of 18 and 25 years. It is not unusual if one or more wisdom teeth fail to develop at all.

Swelling can occur in your mouth for a variety of reasons. Depending on the reason for the swelling, it may or may not be an emergency. If the swelling is restricting your airway, seek immediate medical attention. Otherwise, contact your dentist for further evaluation.