July 27, 2005

By: Sophie Griffin
Website: http://www.teeth-whitening-smiles.com

Impacted Teeth Risk – A Serious Health Hazard

Recently studies have shown that individuals who have impacted teeth risk the development of several oral diseases than previously thought. Impacted teeth risks an individual’s health by increasing the chances of forming tumors and cysts that aren’t always detectable by the tools available at most dentist’s offices. X-rays alone are not effective in showing the dangers that could be developing in a person with impacted teeth. A high percentage of people who do not have treatment in order to avoid the risks associated with impacted teeth can expect to form potentially dangerous problems in the future.

People with impacted teeth often don’t know that they have a problem unless they visit a dentist on a regular basis. Impacted teeth are caused by a disorder in which a tooth is so crowded in its socket that it cannot erupt normally. The tissue that surrounds the teeth is where the danger lurks from impacted teeth. Most insurance policies allow for the treatment of gingivitis, which can be diagnosed visually. Unfortunately, greater danger lies under the surface of the gums and can have a huge impact on the heath of an individual.

Impacted teeth are more commonly referred to as a person’s wisdom teeth or impacted third molars. When looking closer at the higher possibilities of having a cyst or tumor develop as a result of impacted teeth, researchers discovered that in more than 75% of tissue samples that has a tumor or cyst, the most common wound was a dentigerous cyst. A dentigerous cyst is the most common in tissues that give origin to the teeth. A dentigerous cyst occurs in relation to a partially erupted or unerupted tooth with at least the crown of the tooth to which the cyst is attached protruding into the cystic cavity. May give rise to an ameloblastoma and, in rare instances, undergo malignant transformation.

Author Notes:

Sophie Griffin contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.teeth-whitening-smiles.com.  She has recently graduated from college, and is now studying as a dental hygenists. Sophie plans to continue her career in dental sales, specializing in whitening and cosmetic dentistry.