Impacted Canines

Canine Teeth Are Crucial for Good Oral Health

A tooth is considered impacted when it cannot erupt through its natural growth path. Impaction occurs for a variety of reasons, including dental crowding and structures blocking the growth track. The most likely teeth to become impacted are the canines, which are positioned on either side of your upper four front teeth. Our oral surgeons at Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center can evaluate and treat impacted canines at our offices in Fresno, Clovis, Reedley, Madera, and Visalia, CA.

Dr. Chien, Dr. Kheradpir, Dr. Barnhart, Dr. Huh, Dr. Curiel, and Dr. Salim work hand-in-hand with your orthodontist to produce optimal results for exposing impacted teeth. This treatment requires collaboration and communication, which our office incorporates into our practice every day. If you or your child have been referred by a general dentist or are seeking an evaluation for an impacted tooth, please contact any of our offices to schedule an appointment.

Early Detection and Treatment

Regular checkups with your dentist throughout childhood can prevent impaction and other oral health problems. Adult canines usually erupt around age 13, although most dental professionals recommend panoramic X-rays around age 7. This allows enough time for your dentist or orthodontist to prepare enough space for the canines to grow in if necessary. Canines should erupt on their own if there is enough room for them to grow in by age 11 or 12.

Sometimes, impacted canines can also be prevented using orthodontic treatments, such as braces. This can help clear a path for the canines to grow into their proper position. In more difficult cases, such as overdue baby teeth or structures blocking the growth track, an oral surgeon may be necessary to expose the impacted tooth.

It’s rare for an impacted canine tooth to naturally erupt without dental care. Your canine teeth guide the other front teeth into their proper positions. These teeth are long and pointy, making them important for biting food. Untreated impacted canines can lead to dental misalignment and bite problems, which could progress into more serious oral health concerns.

Expose and Bond Treatment for Impacted Canine Teeth

Before the age of 12, roots can begin to form above the teeth if there is not a clear eruption path for the canines. Overdeveloped roots can signal that the teeth will be unable to erupt on their own. When the tooth is trapped beneath the gums and will not erupt on its own, an oral surgeon performs a procedure called expose and bond.

Prior to any surgical procedure, our staff will walk you through the process and discuss your options for anesthesia and sedation. We want every patient to feel comfortable and at ease throughout any procedure and offer a variety of anesthetics to choose from. We will take 3D scans of your mouth during the first visit to get a clear picture of the size, shape, and position of the canine teeth.

An orthodontist and an oral surgeon will work together for expose and bond treatment, and the process can span several months. First, your teeth will be prepared for braces. Next, you will come in for your surgical procedure, where your oral surgeon will expose the trapped tooth beneath the gums. A small bracket and chain will be attached to the exposed tooth. Once the surgical sites have healed, your orthodontist will use the bracket and chain to pull the canines gently into position with your braces.

If there is no adult canine tooth present, we can place a dental implant to replicate the appearance and function of a healthy, natural tooth.

Impacted Canine Treatment at Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center

Our expert oral surgeons are here to help. If you or your child have impacted canines or molars, our surgical staff is highly trained. Our oral surgeons at Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center have years of experience in treating patients of all ages for impacted teeth. For more information and to learn about your treatment options, contact our office, and a member of our staff will be happy to assist you.