When a tooth is stuck and cannot erupt into the proper position, your surgeon may expose and correct the tooth to prevent painful infections and other problems.
When a tooth is unable to come into its proper position and is completely or partially stuck in the gums, it is said to be impacted. Many times, impaction is due to bone and/or overlying gum tissue that blocks the tooth’s path. Wisdom teeth and canine teeth are the most commonly impacted teeth, but impaction can happen with any tooth in the mouth. When canines become impacted, it can affect the entire arch of teeth and cause a variety of oral health problems.
Whether or not wisdom teeth are impacted, most dental professionals recommend their removal sometime during the early to mid-teenage years. Canine teeth are important to the bite and function of the mouth, and the permanent canine teeth erupt around the age of 11 or 12. When canine teeth are impacted, however, an oral surgeon and orthodontist will work together to expose and guide the tooth into its proper place. Canine exposure is a common treatment at Placer Oral & Dental Implant Surgery.
When your child visits the dentist for regular checkups, they will carefully watch the growth and development of your child’s teeth. In fact, children are recommended to receive an oral evaluation around the age of 7, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.
If an impacted tooth is suspected, an X-ray or CBCT scan can confirm. From there, your dentist can refer to an oral surgeon for appropriate treatment.
Canine teeth can become impacted for a few reasons:
When a canine tooth is impacted, exposing it as early as possible is often the preferred course of treatment. In general, exposing an impacted tooth involves both an orthodontist and an oral surgeon. First, the orthodontist will need to create space in the mouth. Using braces, the orthodontist will shift the teeth into their new positions, with the right space created for the impacted tooth to come in. Once that phase is complete, your oral surgeon will expose the impacted tooth from the gums during a minor surgical procedure. A small chain and bracket are then bonded to the impacted tooth, which your orthodontist will use to guide the tooth into place as it comes in.
Along with his highly experienced administrative and surgical team, Dr. Martin at Placer Oral & Dental Implant Surgery will make every effort to ensure your time with us is safe and comfortable. The most common types of anesthetic used for the surgical exposure of an impacted canine are local anesthesia and IV sedation, but we offer many options for anesthesia at our practice. The type of anesthesia your child will receive for their impacted canine exposure treatment will be discussed and selected during your first visit.
If your child has an impacted tooth, please contact Dr. Martin at Placer Oral & Dental Implant Surgery in Roseville, CA. Dr. Martin is an experienced oral surgeon who performs a broad scope of oral surgery procedures on patients of all ages. We look forward to caring for you and your loved ones.
Dr. Daniel Martin offers a wide range of oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures and will work with you to design a personalized treatment plan. You can schedule your appointment, learn more about our practice, or prepare for your first visit using the buttons below. We look forward to meeting you!
