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A tooth that refuses to show up can cause more than a gap in a smile. Parents worry when a canine has not erupted by middle school. Teens feel self-conscious about crowding and discomfort. Impacted canines usually erupt around age 11โ13. They help guide your bite, support lip shape, and close small gaps between front teeth.
That is where impacted canines treatment fits in. An impacted canine can press against neighboring roots, create crowding, and raise the risk of cysts or gum recession. Early assessment allows a simpler plan. Even in adults, treatment protects function and improves smile symmetry.
Access Oral Surgery offers Impacted Canines Treatment. Suppose you are a local looking for Impacted Canines in Summerville, SC. Our orthodontist helps you create space and directs positioning, and our oral surgeon exposes the tooth when necessary so it can move into place.
The Orthodontistโs Role, Step by Step
Orthodontists coordinate the roadmap.ย
- First, they diagnose position using imaging and assess crowding or spacing.ย
- Next, they create room and stabilize the archwire.ย
- Then they time the surgical exposure with the oral surgeon, so traction begins soon after healing.ย
Regular visits apply light force to move the canine safely, protect neighboring roots, and maintain a healthy bite. Finishing adjustments are made to fine-tune occlusion and smile esthetics when the tooth arrives. This collaboration keeps visits efficient and avoids unnecessary delays. Do you want to know more? Contact Access Oral Surgery Now!
Benefits of Impacted Canine Treatment
Restoring a natural canine offers both practical and emotional benefits. When the tooth erupts into position, the bite works more efficiently for chewing and speech. Lip support improves, which often makes the smile look more balanced. Cleaning becomes easier because you no longer work around a stubborn baby or buried tooth, which is irritating.
Guided eruption reduces the chance of root damage to nearby incisors. It also lowers the likelihood of future extractions for crowding. If the canine cannot be brought in, a planned replacement protects bone volume and preserves your options. In short, treatment focuses on health first while improving appearance, which can boost everyday confidence at school, work, and social events.
Who Is This Best For?
Impacted Canines in Children benefit from an early check around age seven, especially if a babyโs canines do not loosen or spacing looks off. Early imaging can confirm the path of the adult tooth and reveal extra teeth or other obstacles.
Teens often make ideal candidates because their growth and bone biology allow efficient tooth movement. Adults also see good results, especially when the tooth has a favorable position or when a replacement plan offers better long-term stability.
This care fits people who want lasting results rather than short fixes. It suits students with busy schedules, working professionals who wish to clear timelines, and anyone worried about comfort. The process is planned within orthodontics, so you know the sequence before treatment begins, and you can schedule school, work, and activities around key visits.
What to Expect
Pre-treatment prep:
Your orthodontist reviews records, takes digital scans and X-rays, and often orders a 3D image for precise mapping. Space creation is the first step. The orthodontist may use dental braces or clear aligners to open the space and guide the arch. When the space looks ready, the orthodontist and surgeon finalize the plan for exposure.
Treatment day:
At the oral surgery visit, the surgeon numbs the area and, when desired, provides sedation for comfort. A small opening in the gum reveals the impacted tooth. If a baby tooth remains, the surgeon removes it. A button or bracket with a delicate chain attaches to the canine. This brief dental surgery sets the stage for the orthodontist to apply gentle traction at the follow-up.
Downtime and recovery:
Expect mild soreness for a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relief and cold compresses usually help. Stick to soft foods until chewing feels comfortable. Keep the area clean with careful brushing and any rinses your surgeon recommends. Most people return to school or work the next day.
When results show:
Your orthodontist begins applying light traction through the chain within one to two weeks to start movement. The tooth typically appears in the arch over several months. The complete timeline depends on the original position and your biology. As the canine descends, you will notice easier cleaning, improved teeth alignment, and a more even smile line.
How long do results last?
Once the canine reaches the right spot, the orthodontist finishes fine-tuning and sets a retainer plan. With proper retention and routine cleanings, results hold well for the long term. If the tooth cannot be moved due to ankylosis or severe position, Dr. McKinney and their team discusses alternatives such as removal with later implant placement to restore function and appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child has an impacted canine?
Watch for a baby canine that will not loosen, a visible bulge high in the gum, or crowding near the front teeth. An exam and X-ray confirm position and timing. Early checks allow simpler Impacted Canines Treatment, often by creating space before the tooth becomes stuck.
How long does the whole process take?
Space creation can take a few months. After exposure, the tooth usually emerges over several months, and the finishing steps align the bite. Every case differs, but planning with your orthodontist and surgeon sets clear checkpoints so you can anticipate school or work commitments.
What if the canine will not move?
Sometimes a tooth fuses to bone or sits in a position that makes traction impossible. If that happens, your team will outline a replacement plan to protect nearby teeth and gum health. Options may include removal, bone preservation, and later implant placement for a durable result.
Can adults have success with this treatment?
Yes. Adults often do well with careful planning, especially when the tooth sits within reach and the arch has space. If movement is not feasible, replacing the canine restores function and balance. Either path improves comfort, bite efficiency, and the overall look of your smile.
Glow Up Your Teeth
Bringing a canine into position protects your bite, prevents damage to neighboring teeth, and improves confidence without extended downtime. A coordinated plan with an orthodontist and an oral surgeon gives you clear steps from day one. If you are ready to discuss your options with Access Oral Surgery, schedule a consultation with our orthodontist to discuss your treatment options today!
