Impacted Canines
- Maxillary canine tooth is the second most common tooth to become
impacted. An Impacted tooth simply means that its "Stuck" or not able to
erupt in proper functional position.
- Canines play a critical role in occlusion or "Bite". Canines have the
longest and strongest roots and their position in the arch helps them to
guide the rest of the teeth into proper bite. If a canine is impacted, every
effort should be made to assist its eruption in proper functional position,
with the help of an Orthodontist. Extraction or removal of impacted
canines should not be a first choice.
- An impacted canine is seen to be positioned on the palatal aspect in
relation to the other teeth, 60% of the time.
- Early recognition of the problem remains the key. Usually, patients
General Dentist/Pediatric Dentist or Hygienist will identify the problem
and make a referral to an Orthodontist. The orthodontist will then
evaluate and make appropriate referral to an Oral Surgeon for removal
of baby teeth or extra/supernumerary teeth to allow space for normal
eruption of canines.
- Many times, just removal of baby teeth or extra teeth may not be
sufficient to solve the issue, and an Oral Surgeon will need to surgically
expose the canines and attach special brackets and chain to those
impacted canines. The orthodontist then uses special elastic bands to
bring the canines in proper position.
- Surgical recovery involves 24-48 hrs of mild discomfort. Pain is well
controlled with tylenol or Advil. Patient should start a soft and bland diet
for 24-48 hours and then advance towards regular diet as tolerated.
Patients should care for their oral wound by rinsing and gently brushing
to avoid any food retention.
- Surgical exposure and bond of Impacted canine teeth is a common
procedure with low risks/complications. Sometimes the special bracket
can de-bond, during the assisted orthodontic treatment, and may need
to be reattached. Usually, the impacted canine is exposed in the oral
cavity and the reattachment can be easily performed in the
orthodontist's office. If the soft tissue is covering the canine, then the
Oral Surgeon may need to re expose the canine, and attach the bracket
in his office.
- A typical surgery of Expose and Bonding of Impacted canines is
performed under IV sedation and local anesthesia. Patients are
instructed to remain empty stomach for 8 hours prior to their surgery
under IV Sedation. Please refer to our Anesthesia section of the website
for details about IV sedation.
