When the wisdom teeth are “impacted,” they can be removed because they don’t serve any real function. But you can’t remove an impacted canine tooth because it’s incredibly important. If you have an impacted canine, Dr. Fathimani performs a surgical procedure to expose and bracket the tooth to restore optimal oral health.
Early Detection of Impacted Teeth is Crucial
An impacted tooth is one that has not erupted through the gumline or become stuck in the jawbone. This can happen for various reasons, such as if the tooth is crowded or if there is not enough space in the jaw for it t. Impacted teeth can cause several problems, such as pain, infection, and damage to nearby teeth. That is why it is so important to detect impacted teeth early and get treatment before these problems occur.
What are Impacted Canines?
Your canine teeth are the sharp, pointy teeth located in the front of your mouth on the top and bottom. All humans have canines, sometimes called cuspids or the upper eyetooth. Besides wisdom teeth, canines are the most likely teeth to become impacted if they don’t erupt at the right time. Since the canines are vital for eating and tearing apart food while chewing, they can’t simply be removed — repositioning is more appropriate.
What Happens If The Canine Does Not Erupt?
If a canine does not erupt, it is called an impaction. This occurs when the tooth is unable to push through the gum line. The canine may also be positioned below the gum line or may not be visible at all. If an impacted canine is not treated, the gum tissue around the tooth may become irritated and inflamed, the buildup of food and bacteria below the gumline can lead to infections, and the surrounding teeth can get damaged.
The Impacted Canine Tooth Treatment Process
If you have an impacted canine tooth, Dr. Fathimani will carefully evaluate your tooth, administer x-rays to determine how deep the tooth is lodged, and curate a personalized surgical plan. The best way to treat an impacted canine is to expose and bracket the tooth. If you still have a baby tooth, the surgeon will remove it before proceeding with the surgical treatment. The surgeon will make an incision to lift the gum tissues and expose the underlying impacted tooth.
After exposing the impacted canine, the surgeon will bond an orthodontic appliance to the tooth. The orthodontic device has a small chain guided into the archwire. In some cases, the surgeon may suture the gums at a higher level to leave the tooth exposed. In other cases, the surgeon may make a small window on the gum tissues above the impacted tooth. This surgical treatment aims to help the impacted canine erupt naturally.
Approximately 14 days after the surgery, you will have to return to the orthodontist, who will attach a rubber band to the orthodontic chain to create a light pulling force. The impacted tooth will gradually move up and into the proper position. The entire process may take a year or more — the impacted tooth will slowly rise. In some cases, the surgeon may also have to perform gum surgery to make the surrounding tissues strong enough to hold the canine.
Schedule Your Consultation
Dr. Kayvan Fathimani is a triple-board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. Instead of offering cookie-cutter treatments, Dr. Fathimani curates personalized surgical plans to move your impacted canine into the desired area and restore its functionality. Please schedule a consultation to explore your impacted wisdom teeth removal options in Lone Tree, Colorado.
