Impacted Canine Exposure

Every tooth in your smile has an important job to do. When a canine tooth does not emerge as it should, our team is here to gently guide it into place. We understand this can be a concern, and we’re here to develop a clear path forward with supportive and expert care.

What Causes Canine Impaction?

Your canines are the cornerstones of your dental arch, essential for a proper bite and a complete smile. When a canine tooth gets stuck and cannot grow into the mouth, it is called an impacted canine. This is a common issue that our experienced team knows how to treat effectively.

Canine teeth are the second most likely teeth to become impacted, right after wisdom teeth. Several factors can cause this to happen:

Significant crowding of other teeth in the jaw
A family history of impacted teeth
Baby teeth that do not fall out on time

Early treatment is important to help guide the tooth into its correct position and protect your long-term oral health.

Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Sometimes, an impacted canine has no obvious symptoms. However, you or your dentist may notice a missing adult canine tooth or a visible bulge in the gum line. The best way to know for sure is through a clinical examination.

Identifying an impacted canine is the first step toward a successful treatment plan. Our oral surgeon will perform a careful exam. We then use advanced imaging, like X-rays or a CBCT scan, to get a detailed 3D view of the tooth’s exact location.

Treatment for Impacted Canines

Your treatment will be tailored to your unique needs, often involving a team approach between your orthodontist and our oral surgeon. Orthodontic treatment with braces helps create space for the canine to emerge.

The most common treatment is a surgical procedure known as canine exposure. During this procedure, we create a small opening in the gum tissue to expose the impacted tooth. An orthodontic bracket is then attached to it. This allows your orthodontist to gently guide the tooth into its correct position over time.

Benefits of Treating Impacted Canines Early

Treating an impacted canine early can prevent more complex dental problems later. Guiding the tooth into its proper place helps you avoid potential damage to neighboring teeth and reduces the risk of other complications. It is a proactive step toward achieving a healthy, aligned smile for a lifetime.

The Canine Exposure Process

Your journey begins with a thoughtful consultation. We will review your medical history, look at your imaging, and discuss the best treatment plan and sedation options for your comfort. The surgical procedure itself is very straightforward.

Our surgeon will perform the exposure with precision and care, ensuring you feel safe and relaxed. After the procedure, we will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and the successful eruption of your canine.

Recovery and Aftercare

Your comfort during recovery is important to us. You may experience some mild discomfort or swelling, which can be managed simply—we’ll provide you with specific instructions for a soft diet and tips for keeping the surgical site clean. The initial healing is typically quick, allowing you to begin the orthodontic phase of your treatment soon after.

Do not let an impacted canine disrupt your smile. Schedule a consultation with our team today to learn how we can help.

Meet

The Surgeon

Dr. Elisa Hannan, DMD, MD

Dr. Elisa Hannan is a respected oral and maxillofacial surgeon known for her advanced skill and warm, reassuring approach. She is dedicated to making every patient feel safe and supported throughout their treatment journey. Her diligent treatment planning and focus on positive outcomes make her a trusted choice for families in our community.

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