What Are Impacted Canines?

Did you know that our canine teeth are also known as “eye teeth?” It may sound strange, but there’s actually a logical explanation for the nickname: the canines are simply aligned with the position of our eyes. Our canines are important for biting and guiding the rest of the teeth in position when you close your mouth. Canines also have the longest root compared to the rest of your teeth, making them the last to erupt. Sometimes canines fail to erupt properly, which causes problems for the capacity and appearance of your mouth. We at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania offer surgery for individuals with impacted canines. Any of our experienced oral surgeons can help get your canines in the correct position!

An impacted canine simply means that the tooth has failed to erupt through your gums. Some of the causes of impacted canines include:

- Cysts: abnormal growths on the gums

- Overcrowding: when teeth are squished together from lack of space in the mouth

- Extra teeth: when an additional tooth occupies the space where the canine is supposed to erupt

- Ankylosed: when the canine tooth root is intertwined with the surrounding bone

There are some additional signs of an impacted canine to look for. This includes the presence of a palatal lump, the delayed eruption of the canine (usually after 15 years old), and the absence of a labial canine lump. If you are experiencing any of these signs, it’s possible that you have an impacted canine. Call one of our offices today and we can get you started on the road to treatment!

Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania is located across the PA area. We have offices in Folsom, Clifton Heights, and two offices in Philadelphia. Please visit oralsurgerypa.com for more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our offices.

 

Impacted Canines

Put simply, an impacted tooth is a stuck tooth that can’t fully emerge from the gums. Most cases of impacted teeth involve the third molar (wisdom) teeth. The second most common teeth to become impacted is the maxillary cuspid (upper eyetooth). At Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, our team can help with these canine impactions.

 

The cuspid teeth are crucial for biting. They are designed to be the first teeth that touch when your jaws close together, guiding the rest of your teeth into place. The cuspid teeth are usually the last teeth to come in. Upon impaction, the cuspid will make every effort to reach its proper spot on the dental arch.

 

It is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontics that a panorex screening x-ray and examination be performed on all dental patients by the age of seven years old. This allows the dentist to predetermine any issues with the child's adult teeth. If by ages eleven to twelve the eruption pathway for the impacted tooth is clear, then most likely the tooth will emerge without intervention. If it hasn’t emerged by ages twelve to thirteen than other actions must be taken. Together, your orthodontist and oral surgeon will work with you to achieve the best possible result.

 

The most common outcome will start with the orthodontist placing braces onto the patient's teeth to create space for the impacted tooth. Once the space is clear, the next step is with the oral surgeon. At the surgeon's office, the gum covering the impacted tooth will be lifted. If there is a baby tooth present, it will be removed. A bracket with an attached chain will go onto the cuspid, attaching it back to the orthodontic wire. Shortly after surgery, the patient will return back to the orthodontist. A rubber band will be attached to the chain to gently force out the impacted tooth. It can take upwards of a year for the impacted tooth to fully emerge.

 

Dr. Bahram, Dr. Richman, Dr. Mohan, and Dr. Barunas are available at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania offices across the Philadelphia, PA area. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call one of our four locations.

 

 

Impacted Canines

For some children between 9 and 12 years old, their eyeteeth (canines) do not emerge when they are supposed to, and intervention from a dentist and oral surgeon is required. Cases where this occurs must be evaluated on an individual basis since there are several solutions that can be enacted. Whatever the case, the most recent studies show that early identification of impacted teeth should be initiated a young age so that treatment can begin immediately. Patients in the Philadelphia, PA area are turning to our experienced team here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania who can devise the best plan and treatment for you.

Once a general dentist or hygienist identifies there is an eruption problem with a canine, the patient should immediately schedule an appointment for evaluation at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania. The most common scenario will call for a space to be opened in the mouth by the oral surgeon to provide room for the tooth to emerge. Commonly, an orthodontist will uses braces to move the tooth to its proper position in the dental arch.  If impaction is treated early, merely exposing the eyetooth can allow it to emerge partially before it becomes completely impacted. This way braces do not have to be placed right away, saving time for the patient.

To expose the tooth, your dentist will lift the gum on top of the tooth to expose it. If a baby tooth is still present, it will be removed at the same time. If the tooth is completely impacted, an orthodontic bracket will be attached to the exposed tooth, with a chain attached to connect the tooth to an orthodontic wire. Depending on the case, the tooth can either be left exposed, or the gums will be sutured with only the chain remaining visible. Once the tooth has erupted, the chain will be removed and the gums sutured if healthy. Sometimes minor gum surgery is required to add bulk to the gums over the relocated tooth to ensure normal function.

If you suspect your child’s canine, or other tooth, is impacted, schedule an appointment with us here at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania by visiting www.oralsurgerypa.com.