Impacted Canines

An impacted tooth is a tooth that cannot erupt normally into the mouth. While wisdom teeth are the most commonly impacted teeth, the maxillary canine (upper eyetooth) is the second most common.An impacted tooth is a tooth that cannot erupt normally into the mouth. While wisdom teeth are the most commonly impacted teeth, the maxillary canine (upper eyetooth) is the second most common.

Canine teeth are very important in the dental arch. They help guide your bite when your jaws close together and have the longest roots of any teeth. Because of their strength and position, they play a key role in proper alignment.

Normally, upper canines erupt around age 13 and help close gaps between the front teeth. If a canine becomes impacted, treatment focuses on helping the tooth move into its correct position whenever possible.

Most impacted canines are located on the roof of the mouth (palate). Others may be trapped in the jawbone or positioned toward the front of the dental arch.

Early Recognition Of Impacted Eyeteeth Is The Key To Successful Treatment

Early diagnosis greatly improves treatment success. As patients get older, impacted canines are less likely to erupt naturally.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive a dental exam and panoramic x-ray around age 7. This allows dentists to check:

  • Whether all adult teeth are present

  • If extra teeth are blocking eruption

  • Whether crowding is preventing proper eruption

  • If unusual growths are present

If a problem is detected, the patient may be referred to an orthodontist or oral surgeon for treatment.

Treatment usually involves a combination of orthodontic care and oral surgery.

An orthodontist may first place braces to create space in the dental arch. If baby teeth or other teeth are blocking the eruption path, an oral surgeon may remove them.

If the pathway is cleared early, typically around ages 11–12, the canine tooth may erupt naturally.

If treatment is delayed until ages 13–14 or later, the tooth often will not erupt on its own. In rare cases, especially in adults over 40, the tooth may become fused to the bone and cannot be moved.

When this occurs, the tooth may need to be removed and replaced with options such as:

  • A dental implant with crown

  • A fixed dental bridge

What Happens If The Eyetooth Will Not Erupt When Proper Space Is Available?

If the canine does not erupt naturally, the orthodontist and oral surgeon work together to guide the tooth into place.

Typically, braces are placed first to open space for the impacted tooth. Once the space is ready, the patient is referred to an oral surgeon to expose and bracket the tooth.

During this minor surgical procedure:

  1. The gum covering the impacted tooth is lifted.

  2. If a baby tooth is present, it may be removed.

  3. A small orthodontic bracket is bonded to the tooth.

  4. A tiny gold chain attached to the bracket is connected to the orthodontic wire.

Sometimes the gum is repositioned so that only the chain is visible.

Moving the Impacted Tooth

About 1–14 days after surgery, the orthodontist attaches a small rubber band to the chain. This creates gentle pressure that slowly moves the tooth into position.

This process is gradual and carefully controlled. In many cases, it can take up to one year for the tooth to fully move into the dental arch.

The goal of treatment is to save and properly position the natural tooth, rather than remove it.

After the tooth is in position, the gum tissue will be evaluated to ensure it is healthy and stable. In some cases, minor gum surgery may be needed to strengthen the tissue around the tooth.

Multiple Impacted Canines

Sometimes both upper canine teeth are impacted. In these cases, orthodontic space is created on both sides of the dental arch.

The oral surgeon can expose and bracket both teeth during the same surgical visit, allowing the patient to recover from surgery only once.

Front teeth and premolars are generally easier to guide into position because they have single roots. Molars are larger and have multiple roots, which can make them more difficult to move.

Early Treatment Benefits

Research shows that early identification of impacted teeth improves outcomes. Dentists and hygienists often detect eruption problems during routine exams and refer patients to orthodontists for early evaluation.

In some cases, an oral surgeon may remove baby teeth or other obstacles before braces are placed. This can encourage the impacted tooth to begin erupting naturally.

When this happens, braces may be able to guide the tooth into place more easily. Early treatment can also reduce the total time spent in braces.

Surgery to Expose an Impacted Tooth

The procedure to expose and bracket an impacted tooth is typically performed in an oral surgeon’s office.

Most patients receive:

  • Local anesthesia

  • Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)

In some cases, IV sedation may be used if the patient prefers to sleep during the procedure.

Typical procedure times:

  • 75 minutes for one tooth

  • 105 minutes if both sides are treated

If the procedure only requires exposing the tooth without placing a bracket, it usually takes about half the time.

Recovery After Surgery

After surgery, patients may experience mild bleeding and discomfort at the surgical site.

Most patients manage pain with over-the-counter medications such as:

  • Tylenol

  • Advil (ibuprofen)

Pain usually improves significantly within two to three days.

Some swelling may occur from holding the lip during the procedure. Applying ice packs for the first afternoon can help reduce swelling. Bruising is uncommon.

Diet and Healing

A soft diet is recommended during the first few days after surgery. Avoid sharp foods like chips or crackers, which may irritate the surgical area.

You may gradually return to normal foods once chewing feels comfortable.

Your doctor will typically schedule a follow-up visit within 7–10 days to check healing and ensure proper oral hygiene.

You should also visit your orthodontist within 1–14 days so they can begin guiding the tooth into place.

Questions?

If you have questions or concerns after surgery, please call 941-488-8788 to speak with our office.