7. Impact of Impacted Teeth on Adjacent Teeth
Impacted teeth can have a significant adverse effect on the health and alignment of adjacent teeth. They can cause resorption of neighboring tooth roots, a process where the body breaks down and absorbs the root structure of the adjacent tooth, potentially leading to its loss. This is particularly common with impacted wisdom teeth exerting pressure on the roots of second molars.
Moreover, the presence of impacted teeth can disrupt the overall alignment of the dental arch. They can cause shifting and crowding of adjacent teeth, leading to misalignment issues that may require orthodontic treatment.
The difficulty in cleaning around an impacted tooth increases the risk of decay and gum disease, not only for the impacted tooth but also for the neighboring teeth. This highlights the importance of meticulous dental care for individuals with impacted teeth.
Regular dental check-ups are vital to monitor the health of impacted and adjacent teeth. Early detection and intervention can prevent or mitigate these adverse effects, preserving the overall health and alignment of the dental arch. (7)
