At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we understand how worrisome dental development issues can be for parents.
When a child’s permanent teeth begin to emerge, it’s an exciting milestone. However, this process can sometimes raise concerns — especially if a tooth appears delayed or is missing altogether. This may be a sign of an impacted tooth, a condition where a tooth fails to erupt properly through the gums.
At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, our team provides gentle, specialized care for children who may require extra support or sedation to feel comfortable during treatment.
What Is an Impacted Tooth?
An impacted tooth is one that’s blocked from coming in normally. This often happens because there isn’t enough room in the mouth, another tooth is in the way, or the tooth’s eruption path is misaligned.
While most people associate impacted teeth with wisdom teeth in teens and adults, children can experience impacted teeth too — especially with canines or incisors that are critical for proper bite and alignment.
Common Causes of Impacted Teeth in Children
Several factors can lead to impacted teeth, including:
- Crowding or spacing issues – If baby teeth don’t fall out on time or if permanent teeth come in early, new teeth may not have enough room.
- Genetic factors – Family history can play a role in delayed or abnormal eruption patterns.
- Extra or abnormal teeth – Sometimes, a child may have extra teeth (called supernumerary teeth) that block normal eruption.
- Injury or infection – Trauma to the mouth can disrupt how a tooth develops or erupts.
Signs Your Child May Have an Impacted Tooth
Parents may notice subtle signs that something isn’t quite right. Watch for:
- A tooth that hasn’t erupted long after others have
- Swelling or discomfort in the gums
- A visible bulge under the gumline
- Difficulty chewing or biting evenly
- Shifting or crooked alignment of nearby teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms, a pediatric dental evaluation is recommended. Early detection can often prevent more complex issues later on.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Identifying an impacted tooth early allows your dentist to create a treatment plan that encourages the tooth to erupt correctly. In many cases, this may involve monitoring the tooth’s growth with X-rays or using orthodontic guidance to help it come in naturally.
In other cases, minor oral surgery may be needed to expose the tooth so it can erupt properly. For children who are anxious or have difficulty tolerating dental procedures, sedation dentistry may help ensure their comfort and safety during treatment.
Sedation Options for Pediatric Patients
At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we specialize in sedation and sleep dentistry for children — including those with dental anxiety, special needs, or complex treatment needs.
Depending on the procedure and your child’s comfort level, we may recommend:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild relaxation
- Oral sedation to help calm nerves before a procedure
- General anesthesia, provided safely by our experienced dental anesthesia team, for children who require more extensive care or have special health considerations
Our goal is always to create a safe, reassuring experience that helps children build trust and confidence in dental care.
Contact The Dental Anesthesia Center Today
If you need a dentist specializing in comfortable, sedation-based care, contact The Dental Anesthesia Center for expert, compassionate support.