Impacted Canines
Our Board-Certified Surgeon Helps Impacted Canines Erupt Into the Dental Arch
When a tooth is trapped beneath gum tissue or bone and is unable to grow into the dental arch, it is considered to be impacted. Wisdom teeth and canine teeth are most commonly affected by impaction. Wisdom teeth are typically removed, but extra efforts are made to help an impacted canine tooth erupt into the dental arch because these teeth are important for biting and chewing food. Impacted canines are treated with an expose and bond procedure.
If your dentist has referred your child for the treatment of impacted canines, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Barefoot. We offer many anesthesia and sedation options to ensure patients feel comfortable during their procedure, as well as detailed instructions to follow before and after surgery.
What Causes Canine Impaction?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children be seen by a dental professional by the age of 7. If an oral health problem arises, such as an impacted tooth, a dentist can refer to an oral surgeon for treatment. Addressing an impacted canine early can increase the chance for successful treatment.
When canine teeth become impacted, it is usually due to one of the following reasons:
- The baby teeth have not fallen out as they should.
- There are growths that are blocking the tooth’s growth path.
- There are crowded teeth blocking the tooth’s growth path.
- There are extra teeth in the mouth.
Dr. Barefoot is board-certified and has many years of experience working closely with orthodontists performing expose and bond procedures. In the rare case that treatment for an impacted canine tooth is not possible, we are happy to discuss options for permanent and realistic tooth replacement, such as dental implants.
The Expose and Bond Procedure
An expose and bond procedure helps guide an impacted canine tooth into its correct position and is a team effort between an orthodontist and an oral surgeon. During your consultation, we will likely take 3D scans of your face and mouth to get a clear understanding of your condition. The orthodontist’s job is to prepare a space in the mouth for the emerging canine tooth with braces. When the space is ready, the patient will then see their oral surgeon for a minor procedure to surgically expose the tooth. This procedure involves an oral surgeon making an incision over the impacted tooth and attaching a bracket and chain to the tooth. The bracket and chain will be used to help the canine tooth move into its correct position over time. This part of the process may take up to a full year to complete.
Impacted Canines Negatively Impacting Your Smile?
Come and see us in Mount Pleasant, SC. Managing an impacted canine tooth with an expose and bond procedure is highly effective, and our team works closely with your orthodontist to ensure your smile achieves optimum appearance and function. Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists South Carolina proudly serves the Charleston area and surrounding islands. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
