Impacted canines are a common dental issue where the canine teeth (often referred to as "fangs" or "eyeteeth") fail to erupt properly and become trapped within the gum or bone. This condition can cause discomfort, affect your bite, and lead to other dental complications. At Booker Oral Surgery & Implant Center, Dr. Stacey Newton-Booker, DDS, specializes in the treatment of impacted canines, offering advanced surgical solutions to guide these important teeth into their proper position and restore your oral health.
What Are Impacted Canines?
Canine teeth are essential for both function and aesthetics, playing a key role in biting and tearing food as well as maintaining the natural shape of your smile. When a canine tooth is impacted, it means that it has not emerged from the gumline as it should. This can occur for various reasons, including overcrowding of teeth, abnormal growth patterns, or lack of space in the dental arch.
Why Treating Impacted Canines Is Important
Treating impacted canines is crucial for several reasons:
- Preventing Dental Complications: If left untreated, impacted canines can lead to other dental issues, such as misalignment of teeth, cyst formation, and damage to adjacent teeth.
- Improving Oral Function: Canine teeth play an important role in your bite and overall oral function. Properly positioning these teeth helps ensure a balanced bite and effective chewing.
- Aesthetic Benefits: Correcting impacted canines can improve the appearance of your smile, preventing unsightly gaps or misalignment.
How We Treat Impacted Canines at Booker Oral Surgery & Implant Center
At Booker Oral Surgery & Implant Center, we offer several treatment options for impacted canines, depending on the severity of the impaction and the overall dental health of the patient:
- Surgical Exposure and Bonding: In many cases, the impacted canine can be surgically exposed, and an orthodontic bracket is bonded to the tooth. This allows an orthodontist to gradually guide the tooth into its correct position.
- Extraction: If the impacted canine is severely misaligned or poses a risk to other teeth, extraction may be necessary. This is typically followed by orthodontic treatment to close the gap or replace the tooth with a dental implant.
- Orthodontic Treatment: Often combined with surgical intervention, orthodontic treatment can help create space and guide the impacted tooth into its proper position within the dental arch.
Recovery Time and Healing Process
Healing Time
Recovery from surgery to treat impacted canines varies depending on the complexity of the procedure. Most patients experience some swelling and discomfort for a few days following the surgery, which can be managed with pain medication and proper aftercare. Full recovery and the complete movement of the tooth into place may take several months, depending on the treatment plan.
Post-Procedure Care
After surgery, it’s important to follow Dr. Newton-Booker’s aftercare instructions, which may include dietary restrictions, oral hygiene practices, and attending regular follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of the tooth movement.