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All About Impacted Canine Teeth
Posted on August 6th, 2022
When we hear about impacted teeth, most of us think of wisdom teeth, because they are commonly extracted due to impaction, infection, overcrowding, and pain. However, wisdom teeth are not the only teeth that can become impacted. Human canine teeth, particularly the upper eye teeth (or cuspids), are the second most common teeth to become impacted. Usually, this occurs because the teeth do not fully erupt.
When wisdom teeth become impacted, the best solution is to extract them; however, this is not the ideal treatment for an impacted canine tooth. This is because canine teeth are essential for chewing, speaking, proper bite alignment, and they are clearly visible when we smile as they are part of our front teeth. Extracting canine teeth, unlike wisdom teeth, can harm your oral health and self confidence.
Treating Impacted Canine Teeth
Typically, the best way to fix impacted canine teeth is to expose them and pull them into proper alignment. Early detection of this condition usually requires patients to undergo dental x-rays early on in life, which provides optimal treatment options.
Impacted canines can result for various reasons, such as the following:
- Overcrowding
- Extra teeth
- Growths on gum tissue
For young patients, a brace can be placed to move adjacent teeth to create space for the canine teeth to emerge naturally. At times, baby teeth can be extracted, or growths can be surgically removed, to allow for proper canine eruption.
Impacted Canine Teeth in Adults
As people grow older, it becomes less likely impacted canines will erupt on their own. In these cases, oral surgery is usually necessary.
First, nearby teeth are removed if they are blocking the canines from erupting. Then, brackets are bonded onto the individual canines, and attached to orthodontic braces with small chains. The chains are used to exert gentle pressure on the brackets over time, and pull the canines through the gums and into proper position.
How to Fix Impacted Canine Teeth Without Braces
For adults with impacted canine teeth, it may be a concern to have to contend with metal braces. Fortunately, braces that are designed to blend in with natural teeth can be used to connect to the brackets that pull canines into place.
On occasion, Invisalign may also be used to make space for impacted canines to emerge by moving other teeth out of the way, but only if the permanent canines still have a chance of emerging naturally. However, when impacted canines cannot erupt on their own, occasionally they can be removed entirely and replaced with dental implants. This will only be possible if there is enough bone structure following their removal to support the implants.
Windy City Family Dental – Expert Dental Care in Chicago
If you are dealing with dental pain, impacted teeth, or another dental issue, contact our team at Windy City Family Dental today. We are here to help ensure your smile stays healthy, strong, and beautiful no matter what your dental concerns may be- Reach out to schedule an appointment with us today!
