Canines (much like wisdom teeth) are more likely than other teeth to become trapped behind the gums during development. Sometimes braces and other orthodontics can adjust the growth track and prevent impaction, but in other cases, it is impossible for the canines to grow in without surgical intervention.
What causes impacted canines?
Canines can become impacted for multiple reasons. The canine teeth usually develop around age 11 or 12. Sometimes baby teeth don’t fall out in time for the adult teeth to develop, causing the teeth to become stuck in the gums. In other cases, unusual growth blocks the tooth’s path. Below are a few of the reasons teeth can become impacted:
- Overcrowding of surrounding teeth
- Extra teeth taking up space in the mouth
- Unusual growths blocking the tooth’s path
- Baby teeth not falling out in time
How are impacted canines treated?
The treatment process for impacted canine teeth depends on the age of the patient and the reason for the impaction. Early prevention is the best form of treatment. Regular dental visits allow your dentist to check for signs of impacted canines before it is too late. If overcrowding or other contributing factors are discovered early enough (before age 9 or 10), an orthodontist may be able to clear the path for your teeth to grow in without any surgical treatment. In other cases, the extraction of the primary canines is enough to clear the path for the permanent teeth.
If the canines’ roots become too developed, it is less likely that the teeth will come out on their own. In these cases, exposure and bonding treatment may be necessary to prevent the canines from staying stuck permanently in the gums.
Exposure and bonding treatment is a joint effort between an oral surgeon and an orthodontist. Your orthodontist will first clear a path for the tooth to grow in using braces or other devices. Then, your oral surgeon will clear any growths or blockages in the tooth’s path, exposing the tooth. Once the tooth is exposed, a tiny bracket and chain will be attached. Your orthodontist will use this chain to pull your canines into alignment gently. Once the process is complete, your orthodontist will remove your braces.
If impacted canines are discovered too late for other treatments, your oral surgeon may be able to extract the teeth completely and replace them with dental implants. Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth, and they will prevent the dental shifting and bone loss associated with missing teeth.
Impacted Canine Treatment in Henderson, NV
Henderson Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center in Henderson, NV, offers impacted canine treatments for children and adults alike. Whether your canines need exposure or another form of treatment, our oral surgeon can help you find a solution to restore your smile. Contact our office to learn more or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Huang.