Impacted Canine Surgery
Your smile depends on every tooth being in the right place, including your canines or “eye teeth” that help guide your bite and shape your smile.
If your canine teeth are impacted or stuck beneath the gums, our board-certified oral surgeons use advanced surgical techniques to uncover the teeth and prepare them to move into their ideal location.
Impacted Canine Treatment
Canine teeth play a critical role in your dental and jaw function.
When a canine tooth is blocked from surfacing in your mouth, it can become impacted and cause pain, crowding, and long-term bite complications.
At Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, our oral surgeons work together with your orthodontist to bring your impacted canines into place.
Whether your treatment involves exposure and bonding to position your canines or the extraction of over-retained baby teeth that may be blocking the teeth, we’ll create a customized plan for a healthier, more confident smile.
The Problem of Impacted Canines
Impacted canines are often spotted early during routine dental checkups and X-rays, sometimes as young as age 7. When caught early, treatment may be able to guide the tooth into place naturally.
If the tooth doesn’t appear during the typical ages of 11–13, it usually means it’s more developed and less likely to come in on its own.
Over time, the tooth may even fuse in place. When that happens, surgical exposure or removal may be needed to surface the tooth, protect your bite, and keep your smile healthy.
Causes
Several factors can prevent canine teeth from erupting normally:
- Dental crowding or not enough space in the arch
- Baby teeth that don’t fall out on time
- Abnormal tooth position or angulation
- Genetic factors or inherited tooth development issues
- Cysts or growths obstructing the tooth’s path
Symptoms
Impacted canines don’t always cause immediate discomfort, but some signs to watch for include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Tenderness or pain near the canine area
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Delayed eruption of adult teeth
- Jaw discomfort or tightness
- Bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth
Future Issues
Untreated impacted canines can lead to:
- Damage to nearby roots or teeth
- Cyst formation around the impacted tooth
- Shifting of adjacent teeth and bite misalignment
- Gum disease or chronic infection
- Complications with future orthodontic treatment
- Tooth loss or need for surgical extraction
Coordinated Treatment for Impacted Canines
Impacted tooth treatment requires teamwork.
At Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, our oral surgeons work closely with your orthodontist or dentist to coordinate exposure and bonding treatment to help guide the impacted canine tooth into its proper place in your mouth.
Surgical Care You Can Count
When it comes to impacted canine treatment, here’s why patients across the Carolinas trust CCOFS for their surgical care.
- Specialized Surgical Training
Our board-certified oral surgeons have specialized training in oral and maxillofacial procedures, including complex tooth exposure and bonding techniques.Their advanced expertise includes IV sedation and anesthesia administration, so you can feel confident your procedure will be safe, comfortable, and effective.
- Quicker Healing
By using advanced surgical planning and precise, minimally invasive techniques, our oral surgeons reduce stress on the surrounding teeth, bone, and tissue, helping your mouth heal faster and your recovery feel smoother.
- Comprehensive, Personalized Care
We are committed to delivering top-notch care and exceptional treatment experiences. Whether you need treatment for a single impacted canine or a more comprehensive solution, we offer personalized care centered around you.
- Comfortable Centers Near You
Our 22 oral surgery centers across North and South Carolina are equipped with the most advanced technology for procedures like impacted tooth exposures and extractions.
With 3D imaging for accurate diagnostics, innovative digital treatment planning, and multiple anesthesia options, you’ll experience exceptional care and the highest quality treatment outcomes.
The Impacted Canine Treatment Process
At Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery, we streamline the process for treating an impacted canine. Here’s a clear overview of what to expect:
Initial Consultation & Advanced Planning
Your treatment journey begins with a comprehensive consultation that your dentist or orthodontist typically recommends. During this visit, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon will thoroughly assess your dental situation and use advanced imaging to diagnose the position of your canines. A treatment plan will be coordinated with you and your orthodontist to meet your needs and goals.
Orthodontic Preparation & Space Creation
Your orthodontist will prepare your mouth with orthodontic treatment, often by placing braces, to create the necessary space for the impacted canine to erupt. We maintain close communication to ensure this phase aligns seamlessly with your surgical needs.
Surgical Exposure & Bonding
When there is adequate space for your canines to surface, you’ll return to CCOFS for the surgical procedure. We offer various anesthesia options, including local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, or IV sedation, to help ensure your comfort during the procedure. Your surgeon will carefully expose the impacted canine, and a small orthodontic bracket with a chain will be bonded to the tooth. You’ll receive clear instructions for post-operative care and recovery.
Orthodontic Guidance & Alignment
Following the surgical procedure, your orthodontist will guide your canine into position using the bonded chain, slowly moving the tooth into your dental arch. You’ll have routine appointments with your orthodontist for adjustments as the tooth moves and your new smile is perfectly shaped.
Impacted Canine Surgery FAQs
Have questions about impacted canine surgery or treatment? We’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions about impacted teeth to provide you with the information you need.
If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact us.