Impacted Canines
An impacted tooth is a tooth that is blocked or “stuck” underneath the gum line, and does not erupt into its correct position on its own. Most often, an impacted tooth will be a third molar, or wisdom tooth, though it is a common occurrence in canine teeth as well. Canine teeth are located at the corners of the arch, next to the incisors. They have one pointed edge (cusp) which is used for holding, grasping, and tearing food. Canines, which have long roots and are important for biting, can sometimes need additional treatments, like mouth widening with a mouth expander tool, to create enough space for proper alignment and eruption. Prompt treatment helps ensure the tooth emerges correctly and avoids further complications.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic examination by age seven. This allows Bright Orthodontics the opportunity to monitor your child’s teeth eruption, track braces needs, and detect any impactions early.
If we do see signs of an impacted tooth, don’t worry. A simple surgical procedure can help. We’ll gently expose the tooth by lifting a small flap in the gum and either allow it to erupt on its own or guide it with an orthodontic bracket.
With early detection and combined surgical and orthodontic treatment, impacted canines can be guided to the ideal position in your child’s mouth—and we’ll walk you through what to expect, including how long treatment will take.