Canine teeth play a crucial role in your smile’s appearance, bite alignment, and chewing efficiency. Impacted canines can disrupt your smile and cause discomfort if left untreated. At Precision Oral Surgery, we specialize in canine exposure procedures to guide your teeth into proper alignment.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options
What Causes Canine Impaction?
Canine impactions are relatively common and benefit from early intervention. Treating them promptly helps prevent long-term complications. Here’s a list of common causes of impacted canines.
Common Causes of Impacted Canines
- Crowding: Lack of space in the upper jaw prevents proper eruption
- Genetics: A family history of dental crowding increases risk
- Baby Teeth Issues: Retained or lost baby teeth disrupt adult canine development
- Abnormal Tooth Growth: Poor positioning of adjacent teeth affects alignment
If caught early, these issues can often be managed with minimal intervention.
Signs and Symptoms of Impacted Canines
Recognizing the signs of an impacted canine is important for you to receive timely treatment.
Common Symptoms
- Delayed eruption of adult canine teeth
- Swelling or tenderness near the gums
- A visible bump or protrusion in the gum line
- Bite misalignment or discomfort caused by impaction
If you notice any of these signs, schedule a consultation with our team.
Diagnosis of Impacted Canines
Accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment.
How Are Impacted Canines Diagnosed?
- Clinical Examination: Oral surgeons and orthodontists assess visible signs
- Diagnostic Imaging: X-rays and CBCT scans pinpoint the impacted tooth’s location
These tools help create a tailored treatment plan for your unique needs.
Benefits of Treating Impacted Canines Early
Addressing canine impactions early reduces the risk of future complications. Here are a few of the benefits of taking a proactive stance about treatment.
- Prevents damage to adjacent teeth, including resorption
- Reduces the risk of gum disease or cyst formation
- Supports proper bite alignment and a healthy smile
- Avoids the need for more invasive procedures later
Early care sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
Treatment Options for Impacted Canines
Your treatment plan depends on the severity of the impaction and your specific needs. Here are the varying stages of treatment for impacted canines.
Observation
- Monitoring natural eruption when conditions allow
Orthodontic Treatment
- Braces create space for the canine to emerge
- Often paired with oral surgery for optimal results
Canine Exposure Surgery
- This procedure creates a viable pathway for the impacted tooth to erupt
We collaborate closely with your other dental providers to ensure seamless care.
What to Expect During the Canine Exposure Process
We guide you through every step, from preparation to recovery.
Pre-Surgery
Before the surgery, we’ll review your medical history and perform any imaging necessary. We’ll also discuss sedation options to ensure your comfort.
The Procedure
Treatment is performed under sedation for minimal discomfort. The procedure typically lasts about an hour, depending on the tooth’s position.
Post-Surgery
We’ll schedule follow-up visits to make sure the tooth erupts as planned.
Recovery and Aftercare
A smooth recovery will promote the success of your treatment.
Managing Discomfort
- We recommend using the prescribed pain relievers and ice packs, as needed
- Stick to a soft diet for the first few days after treatment
Oral Hygiene Tips
- Gently clean the surgical site to prevent infection
- Maintain good oral hygiene to support healing
Most patients recover within a week, with orthodontic adjustments following shortly after.
Schedule Your Consultation
Impacted canines don’t have to disrupt your smile or confidence. Our team has the expertise and technology to guide your teeth into place safely and effectively.
Don’t wait to start your journey to a healthier smile. Contact Precision Oral Surgery today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward proper canine alignment.