What Is the Treatment for an Impacted Canine Tooth?

Posted by AllSmiles

My upper left canine tooth hasn’t erupted. My dentist says my mouth is small, so the tooth didn’t erupt. Will I need a dental implant to replace the tooth? – Thanks. Moriah from Tacoma

Moriah,

Normally, permanent canine teeth come in around 10 to 12 years old. If they haven’t appeared by 14, it’s wise to take a closer look. Early intervention is key for the best results.

Sometimes, canines become impacted, meaning they need help to erupt. Addressing this promptly is important because:

• It significantly improves the chances of guiding the tooth into the correct position.
• Waiting too long can result in the canine fusing to the bone, requiring extraction.
• Addressing this when younger, around 14, is far easier than later, both dentally and socially.

What Can You Expect During an Evaluation for an Unerupted Canine Tooth?

A panoramic X-ray will how the unerupted canine’s root is developing. If the root is still forming, the tooth has some natural eruptive force that we can assist.

Treatment may include:

• If the permanent canine is near the surface, removing the baby tooth can clear a path for it. This could have been done at age 14 and can still be addressed now.
• If the baby canine is loose, the permanent tooth is likely very close and might erupt on its own.
• If the baby canine is not loose, the X-ray will show where the permanent tooth is.

Getting an orthodontist’s second opinion ensures you get accurate information.

Avoid placing a false tooth, which could block the permanent canine’s eruption. You will not need a dental implant if the tooth can erupt healthily.

If the canine needs help emerging, the procedure is relatively simple:

• Surgically expose the canine’s crown
• Attach a bracket to the canine and connect it to an orthodontic wire with a rubber band to guide it into place gently
• Chandler, Arizona, dentists William Walden and Dr. Tyrel Beavers sponsor this post. They cater to patients with dental anxiety.