Impacted canines
Worried about your child’s impacted teeth affecting their smile and confidence? Our gentle surgical techniques ensure proper tooth alignment for life.
What are impacted canines?
An impacted tooth is simply “stuck” and cannot erupt naturally. Upper canines are the second most common teeth to become impacted after wisdom teeth.
Canine teeth are critical in your dental arch – they’re the strongest biting teeth with the longest roots and guide your bite when jaws close together. These teeth normally erupt around age 13, closing spaces between front teeth.
Watch our video to understand impacted canines:
How impacted canine treatment works
The procedure involves surgically exposing the impacted tooth and attaching a small chain or bracket to guide it into proper position over time. Treatment options vary based on the tooth’s location and may include immediate exposure or gradual orthodontic movement.
Teamwork between your orthodontist and oral surgeon is usually necessary. Treatment typically involves braces to create space, followed by surgical exposure and bracketing of the impacted tooth. Your general dentist or orthodontist may refer you for removal of baby teeth, extra teeth, or growths blocking eruption before braces are even applied.
What to expect during treatment:
Performed comfortably in our office using IV sedation, local anesthesia, or nitrous oxide. We lift the gum to expose the hidden tooth, bond a bracket with a miniature chain, and guide the chain to the orthodontic wire.
Step 1
Day of surgery
Comfortable procedure, go home same day
Step 2
1-14 days later
Return to orthodontist for activation
Step 3
6-12 months
Gradual movement into proper position
Step 4
Final result
Properly aligned tooth for lifetime function
Early recognition is the key
The younger the patient, the more likely successful treatment. Age 7 screening and early intervention at ages 11-12 provide the best outcomes for guiding teeth into proper position.
When tooth extraction becomes necessary:
Most impacted canines can be saved with proper treatment. However, if patients are over 40 or teeth become fused in position, extraction may be the only option.
In these cases, we’ll discuss replacement options including dental implants or fixed bridges to restore your smile and function.
Recovery & aftercare
Minimal discomfort and quick recovery. Most patients find Tylenol or Advil adequate for any discomfort, with little need for medication after 2-3 days.
Recovery guidelines:
- Limited bleeding from surgical sites
- Ice packs minimize any swelling
- Soft diet initially, normal diet as comfortable
- Follow-up in 7-10 days to check healing
- Return to orthodontist within 1-14 days for activation
Comprehensive tooth extractions
Beyond impacted canines, we handle all types of tooth extractions including wisdom teeth, damaged teeth, and teeth blocking proper eruption. Our gentle techniques ensure comfortable recovery for all extraction procedures.
Early intervention & screening saves time
A screening for impacted canines is highly recommended at 7 years old. Early identification allows simpler treatment, which and reduce time in braces.
