How to Recognize If You or Your Child Has Impacted Canines: Understanding the Emotional and Social Impact During Adolescence

Impacted canines are a common yet significant dental issue that can lead to a range of physical, emotional, and social effects—especially during adolescence. Understanding these conditions’ signs and potential impact is crucial for early intervention and care. Adolescents often feel more self-conscious about their appearance, and dental irregularities can amplify those worries. But what exactly are impacted canines, and how can they affect your child’s overall well-being? Explore this dental issue’s causes, symptoms, and emotional impact, and learn how to address it.

Understanding Impacted Canines

An impacted tooth is a tooth that cannot correctly emerge and function as it should. After wisdom teeth, the upper canine—often referred to as the upper eyetooth—is the most frequently impacted tooth. These canines are crucial in maintaining a healthy dental structure and contribute significantly to how your bite functions.

Upper canines are typically the last of the front teeth to emerge, usually appearing around age 13. They are essential for closing any remaining gaps between the upper front teeth. When an upper canine becomes impacted, various techniques may guide it into its correct position. Although these methods can be applied to impacted teeth in the upper or lower jaw, they are most commonly used for the upper canine.

Symptoms of Impacted Canines

Recognizing the symptoms of impacted canines is vital in taking timely action. Here are the common signs to watch out for:

1. Pain or Discomfort: Impacted canines in adults and children often cause pain or discomfort in the affected area. This is usually the first noticeable symptom.
2. Swelling and Redness: The gums around an impacted canine may appear swollen, red, or tender to the touch.
3. Difficulty with Chewing or Biting: Because the canines play a vital role in tearing food, any impact on their alignment may lead to chewing difficulties.
4. Visible Gaps: Sometimes, a gap may remain between the teeth where the canine should have emerged, or the surrounding teeth may be misaligned.
5. Prolonged Retention of Baby Teeth: If baby teeth don’t fall out at the expected age, it could indicate the presence of impacted canines.

Early Detection of Impacted Canines for Effective Treatment

As individuals age, the chances of an impacted canine naturally emerging diminish, even when there is sufficient space in the dental arch. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children undergo a panorex screening X-ray and a dental check-up by age seven. This early assessment helps determine the number and condition of their teeth, ensuring that any missing adult teeth, extra teeth, or potential obstructions that might interfere with the canine’s eruption are identified early. This examination is typically performed by a general dentist or dental hygienist, who will refer the patient to an orthodontist if any concerns are detected. Depending on the findings, treatment may involve using braces to create space for the adult teeth or require surgical measures to clear any obstructions.

If the pathway for the canine’s emergence is established by ages 11-12, there is a good likelihood the tooth will erupt on its own. However, if the canine remains impacted beyond ages 13-14, it is unlikely to emerge naturally, even if space is available. In such instances, the tooth may become fused in its position, rendering it immovable despite all efforts. When this occurs, the last option may be to extract the impacted tooth and explore alternative treatments, such as dental implants or fixed bridges.

Emotional and Social Effects During Adolescence

Dental issues like impacted canines go beyond just physical discomfort. They can profoundly affect an adolescent’s emotional and social life. Here’s how:

1. Self-Esteem Issues: Adolescence is a time when self-image is particularly sensitive. Crooked or misaligned teeth can make teenagers self-conscious about their appearance, decreasing self-esteem.
2. Social Anxiety: Worrying about how their smile looks can make teenagers less willing to engage socially. They may avoid smiling, laughing, or participating in social activities, hindering their social development.
3. Emotional Well-being: The stress of dealing with dental issues can lead to mood swings, irritability, and even depression in severe cases. Addressing these issues early can help minimize emotional distress.

The Expose and Bond Procedure

When a canine tooth fails to erupt, treatment often involves a collaborative approach between an orthodontist and an oral surgeon. Each case is unique, but generally, the orthodontist begins by placing braces on the upper teeth to create adequate space for the impacted tooth. Once the space has been made, the patient is referred to an oral surgeon for a procedure to expose and bracket the impacted canine.

To reveal the impacted tooth, the oral surgeon lifts the gum. If a baby tooth is still present, it is typically removed during this step. The oral surgeon then attaches an orthodontic bracket and a small gold chain to the exposed tooth. This chain is linked to the orthodontic wire and temporarily secured. Following the surgery, the patient will return to the orthodontist within 1-14 days to begin the gradual process of guiding the tooth into place, which may take up to a year.

An Impacted Tooth Surgery: What to Expect

Exposing and bracketing an impacted tooth is a straightforward procedure often performed under IV sedation in the oral surgeon’s office. Here’s what to expect during the recovery:

• Post-Surgery Recovery: You may experience minimal bleeding and discomfort, both of which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil or Tylenol. Swelling is usually mild and can be reduced with ice packs.
• Diet Recommendations: A soft diet is initially advised to prevent surgical site irritation. As you feel more comfortable, you can gradually resume your regular diet but avoid sharp foods during healing.
• Follow-Up and Ongoing Care: A follow-up appointment with your orthodontist is usually scheduled within 1-14 days to start guiding the tooth into position. Your surgeon can also answer your questions or concerns during the consultation.

Your Next Steps

Impacted canines can be physically and emotionally challenging, particularly during adolescence. Recognizing the symptoms and the available treatment options can empower you to take proactive steps. Access Oral Surgery in Summerville, SC, offers specialized services to address these concerns, ensuring that your child—or you—can enjoy better oral and emotional health.

Take action now! Book an appointment for impacted canines in Summerville, SC, and ensure your loved one gets the care they deserve. If you have further questions or want to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us today!