Canines are the pointy teeth located near the front of your mouth and are used for ripping and tearing foods. These teeth have very long roots and are prone to becoming impacted, meaning that they do not grow into the dental arch properly and often remain under the gums. Impacted teeth can cause oral complications, including possible infections. The canine teeth are critical to oral function, so it is important to seek specialty care to assist in guiding them into their proper place in the dental arch.
When orthodontics alone cannot guide the tooth into place, the orthodontist may call upon Dr. Robert Bryan and Dr. Jeremy Goodson for surgical intervention. At Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma, we work with patients of all ages, including young kids and teens, and perform exposure and bonding treatments for impacted teeth routinely in our office.
Causes of Impacted Canines
A patient’s canine teeth begin growing as early as age 10 and usually finish maturing in the early teens. Much like wisdom teeth, impacted canines are prone to impaction and often don’t have enough room to grow into the mouth. Some of the leading causes of canine tooth impaction include
- Dental crowding with your surrounding teeth
- Baby teeth still present in the dental arch
- Extra teeth that require extraction
- Unexpected growths causing impaction
An orthodontist or general dentist is often the first to identify an impacted canine tooth. Sometimes, we can solve the problem by making room for the tooth with a simple extraction or orthodontic treatment. When these options fail, an oral surgeon is often necessary to guide the tooth into place. Our oral surgeons are more than happy to meet with you or your child to examine the current condition of your canine teeth and discuss the next step in preserving your smile. Drs. Bryan and Goodson discuss your post-operative instructions, forms of anesthesia for your surgery, and questions or concerns you have about your procedure.
Exposure and Bonding Treatment
Exposure and bonding treatment is the most common procedure for impacted canines and can also be used to address impacted cuspids and premolars. This treatment is a collaborative process in which the orthodontist and oral surgeon work hand in hand to guide the adult tooth into place. Before the procedure, Drs. Bryan and Goodson will meet with you and your child for an initial consultation and provide you with all of the options for treatment, including a range of choices for anesthesia to make the procedure more comfortable.
To begin the treatment, the orthodontist first uses braces to guide the teeth carefully into the correct position and make room for the impacted tooth to grow. Next, the oral surgeon will remove overlying gum tissue and bone to expose the tooth and attach a small bracket and chain. The orthodontist then uses the chain to pull the tooth gently down into the mouth and in line with the rest of the teeth.
Impacted Canines in Oklahoma City, OK
If your child has an impacted tooth, Drs. Bryan and Goodson are happy to assist with treatment. The team at Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma works with patients of all ages and aims to make the surgical experience comfortable and pleasant for you and your child. Contact our office in Oklahoma City, OK, to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled oral surgeons today!
