Impacted Canines

Canine teeth, also called eye teeth, are located on either side of the front four upper and lower teeth. The upper canine teeth are the second most common teeth to become impacted, or stuck beneath the gums. wisdom teeth are more commonly impacted, but because these teeth are not required for oral function, they are simply removed. Canine teeth, however, play a vital role in the mouth and its ability to function. 

The oral health specialists at Full Smile Dental treat impacted canines with expose and bond treatment. This ensures your or your child’s canine teeth will erupt and function properly. If you or your child have an impacted canine tooth, we encourage you to contact us in Dumas, Canyon, Amarillo, Farwell, and Dalhart, TX.

Why Are Canine Teeth Important? 

Canine teeth are very strong and have the longest roots of any other teeth. They are long and pointy, designed to be the first teeth that touch when your jaw closes together, ensuring proper bite. These teeth are often the last of the front teeth to erupt and usually come in around the age of 13. 

If a canine tooth is stuck beneath the gums, it is unable to erupt into its position in the dental arch. This prohibits the ability to properly bite into food. Canine teeth keep the other front teeth in proper alignment. When they are not in position, the front teeth can shift out of place. Canine teeth help form words and properly speak. 

Every effort is made to save a natural canine tooth because of how important it is to your overall oral health. Treatment for an impacted canine is called expose and bond and will help the tooth erupt into its proper place. 

Expose and Bond Procedure 

Expose and bond is a joint effort between your oral surgeon and your orthodontist. Prior to undergoing a surgical procedure, your orthodontist will use braces to create enough room for the canine tooth within the dental arch. When there is enough space, you will visit an oral surgeon for surgery. If baby teeth have not fallen out in time, we can extract these teeth to create the necessary room. 

This type of surgical procedure is often performed using a combination of laughing gas and local anesthesia, or IV sedation. Full Smile Dental offers many anesthesia and sedation options to choose from for your or your child’s comfort. 

During surgery, your oral surgeon will lift the gums to expose the impacted canine tooth. He or she will attach a bracket to the tooth, which has a gold chain attached. Then, your orthodontist will use the chain attached to your braces to pull the tooth into its final position. The surgical procedure to expose the tooth takes roughly 1 hour, but orthodontic treatment may take months or years, depending on your specific treatment. 

The Risks of Leaving an Impacted Canine Tooth Untreated

An impacted canine tooth should be treated as soon as possible, before the roots have fully developed. If an impacted canine tooth is left untreated, the root will fully develop while the tooth is trapped, making it impossible for it to emerge on its own. If a canine tooth does not emerge around the age of 13, it will not naturally erupt and requires surgery. 

Without the canine teeth in place, your front teeth can shift out of place. You may bite unevenly into food, making the eating experience unpleasant and frustrating. If you cannot properly clean the tooth, it can begin to decay. This decay can spread to other teeth and gums, causing irreversible damage. 

At Full Smile Dental, we work with patients of all ages to help impacted teeth successfully erupt. If the canine tooth is unable to be saved, we are happy to discuss your options for replacing the tooth, such as dental implants. By having a complete smile, you ensure proper oral function and can feel more confident about a healthy, happy mouth.