Canine teeth are key players in a balanced and healthy smile. They help shape the arch of your bite, support proper chewing, and contribute to facial symmetry. But sometimes, these important teeth don’t come in as planned. When that happens, our team steps in with a thoughtful, effective solution.
What Is an Impacted Canine?
Canine teeth are the pointed ones located next to your front teeth. They’re the last of the front teeth to come in—usually around ages 11 to 13. If they get stuck under the gum or grow in at an angle, then they’re considered impacted.
Impaction is fairly common, especially in the upper jaw. You may not even feel it. But over time, an untreated impacted canine can cause crowding, misalignment, or damage to neighboring teeth. The earlier it’s identified, the easier it is to correct.
Why Does Impaction Happen?
There are a few reasons why canines can become impacted. Sometimes the baby tooth doesn’t fall out on time. Other times, the jaw is too crowded, or nearby teeth block the canine from erupting. Genetics can also play a role.
We often catch impacted canines during early orthodontic evaluations, which is why it’s helpful for teens to see an orthodontist around age 7. If we catch it early, we can often prevent bigger problems from happening.
How We Diagnose It
To locate an impacted tooth, we use a combination of a clinical exam and detailed imaging. A digital X-ray may show where the tooth is hiding, but in many cases, we’ll also use a 3D scan (CBCT) to get a full picture of its position and how it relates to the surrounding teeth and bone.
This allows us to plan your treatment precisely—and in close coordination with your orthodontist.
Treatment: What to Expect
If the tooth has a chance of erupting on its own, we may recommend giving it a little time. But if it needs help to do so, we’ll perform a procedure called canine exposure.
This treatment involves gently revealing the impacted tooth. Then, we bond a tiny orthodontic bracket to the tooth, which your orthodontist uses to gradually guide it into place. Depending on your case, we may use an open or closed technique—one leaves the tooth partially visible, while the other covers it with a flap of gum tissue.
The procedure is performed in our office under local anesthesia or light sedation. It’s a quick and relatively comfortable visit, and you’ll be heading home shortly after with everything you need to heal successfully.
After Surgery
Most patients feel back to normal within a few days. You may notice a little swelling or tenderness at first, which is normal. Eating soft foods and using cold compresses can help, and we’ll give you personalized instructions to keep things simple. Good oral hygiene is key—we’ll show you how to keep the area clean while it heals.
Over the next several months, your orthodontist will guide the canine into its proper place, gradually creating a healthier smile.
Why It’s Worth Addressing Early
Left untreated, impacted canines can lead to complications like root damage, gum infections, or even cysts in the jaw. Early treatment helps avoid these issues—and often results in a smoother process. It’s about setting your smile up for long-term success.
Let’s Take the First Step
If you or your child has an impacted canine, we’re here to help. Our oral surgeons are highly trained in exposure techniques and work closely with your orthodontist to ensure the best possible outcome. We keep the experience calm and tailored to you—so you can move forward with confidence.
We look forward to supporting the health of your smile. Schedule your consultation today to learn more.
