Impacted canines are teeth that do not emerge properly through the gum tissue due to obstruction or misalignment in the dental arch.
Often referred to as “eye teeth” or “cuspid teeth,” the canine teeth play a critical role in oral health by guiding the bite and ensuring proper alignment of the upper teeth, including maxillary canines.
Key Takeaway
Impacted canines require timely intervention to avoid potential complications and preserve the overall health of the smile.
Types of Impacted Canines
Canine impaction can present various challenges based on their positioning. Here are the main types:
- Buccal impaction: This occurs when the tooth is angled towards the cheek, which can lead to misalignment and discomfort.
- Palatal impaction: In this case, the tooth is directed towards the palate or roof of the mouth, potentially causing complications with neighboring teeth and oral health.
- Horizontal impaction: This type involves the tooth lying horizontally within the gum tissue, preventing it from emerging properly, which may necessitate surgical intervention.
What Causes Impacted Canines?
Impacted canines can occur for various reasons, including:
- Overcrowding in the mouth
- Extra teeth
- Lack of space due to small jaw size
- Abnormal growths or cysts near the impacted tooth
- Misaligned teeth or a narrow dental arch
Risk Factors for Impacted Canines
Some people may be more prone to developing impacted canines due to various factors, such as:
- Genetics: The size and shape of your jaw are largely determined by genetics. If you have a small jaw or narrow dental arch, you may be at a higher risk for impacted canines.
- Early loss of primary (baby) teeth: When primary teeth fall out prematurely, they can disrupt the normal growth and eruption patterns of permanent teeth.
Importance of Treating Impacted Canines
Leaving impacted canines untreated can lead to several dental issues, including:
- Shifting of surrounding teeth: Impacted canines can put pressure on adjacent teeth, causing them to shift out of position and affecting the alignment of your bite.
- Delayed eruption: Canine teeth are essential for proper biting and chewing function. Failure to treat impacted canines promptly can result in delayed eruption, which may require more invasive treatment later on.
- Increased risk of decay and infection: When a tooth is partially erupted or remains trapped underneath the gum tissue, it is difficult to clean. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to decay and potential infections.
Key Takeaway
Untreated impacted canines can cause various complications that may require costly and invasive treatments in the future. Regular dental checkups can help detect and address any issues with impacted canines early on.
Symptoms of Impacted Canines
The only way to determine if you have impacted canines is to have an evaluation by your dentist.
In most cases an x-ray will be needed to confirm the presence of impacted canines. Some common symptoms that may indicate impacted canines include:
- Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
- Pain or tenderness in the affected area
- Swelling or inflammation of the soft tissue near the impacted tooth
- Crowding or shifting of other teeth
Early Detection and Monitoring
Early detection of impacted canines is essential for successful treatment.
Regular dental check-ups and x-rays can help identify potential issues with tooth eruption, allowing your dentist to plan for timely intervention.
In some cases, impacted canines may not cause any symptoms or discomfort initially, but regular monitoring by your dentist will ensure prompt treatment if necessary.
Treatment for Impacted Canines
The treatment for impacted canines will depend on the severity of the case and the age of the patient.
In some cases, early intervention while the jaw is still growing may involve orthodontic treatment to create enough space for the canine teeth to emerge naturally.
However, if a tooth is severely impacted, a surgical procedure may be necessary to expose and guide it into its proper position in the dental arch.
Surgery for Impacted Canines
Oral surgery for impacted canines involves exposing the tooth with a small incision in the gum tissue.
The surgeon will then bond an orthodontic bracket or chain to it, which is attached to braces or other orthodontic appliances. This method allows your orthodontist to gently guide the impacted tooth into its proper position in the dental arch.
In young patients, if supernumerary teeth (baby teeth) are blocking the pathway of the impacted tooth, the surgeon may need to remove it.
In adult patients, impacted canines may require a more complex surgical approach. In these cases, the tooth may need to be removed and replaced with a dental implant or bridge to restore function and aesthetics.
Concord Oral Surgery: Your Trusted Oral Surgeon in Vaughan, ON
Impacted canines are a common dental issue that can lead to various complications if left untreated.
If caught early, there are various treatment options available to guide impacted canines into their proper position in the dental arch.
If you have been told that you or your child have impacted canines, our team at Concord Oral Surgery is here to help. Our experienced oral surgeon, Dr. Robert Barron, is committed to providing high-quality, individualized care to every patient.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your oral health, please reach out to us to schedule a consultation. To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Vaughan, call (905) 669-2616 or complete the appointment request form.
FAQs
Does an impacted canine need to be removed?
Not necessarily. In some cases, early intervention can help guide the impacted tooth into its proper position without the need for extraction.
How can you tell if a canine is impacted?
Only a dental professional can diagnose an impacted canine. However, some common symptoms may indicate the presence of impacted canines, such as difficulty opening or closing your mouth, pain or tenderness in the affected area, and crowding of other teeth.
Can impacted canines come down on their own?
In some cases, impacted canines may erupt on their own. However, it is important to monitor the situation with regular dental check-ups and x-rays to ensure timely intervention if necessary.
