Impacted Canines in DFW
Canines, otherwise called your “eye teeth,” play an important role in both your bite and your smile. They help you grip and tear food, but they also act as guideposts for your other teeth, ensuring they align properly. In some cases, these teeth don’t emerge as they should, becoming “impacted” within the gum or jawbone. Without treatment, impacted canines can disrupt your bite or damage nearby teeth.
At Alliance Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our board-certified team can identify the cause of the impaction and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, often bringing the tooth into place while preserving surrounding structures.
Call our office to book your evaluation.
Causes of Impacted Canines
There are several reasons a canine tooth may fail to erupt on its own. In some patients, the jaw simply doesn’t have enough space for the tooth to emerge naturally. Others may have extra teeth or abnormal tooth positions that block the path.
Treatment Options
Treatment for impacted canines is often a team effort involving both oral surgery and orthodontics. In many cases, the surgeon will perform a minor procedure to carefully expose the tooth and place a bracket with a chain attached. The orthodontist can then attach the chain to the braces to gradually guide the tooth into its proper position.
Why Treat Early
Addressing impacted canines during the pre-teen or early teen years gives you the best chance for a smooth and successful outcome. At this age, the tooth roots are not fully developed, meaning the surrounding bone is more responsive to orthodontic movement. Delaying treatment of impacted canines can lead to complications such as crowding, root resorption of nearby teeth, or the formation of cysts around the impacted tooth.
Make your appointment today and get expert care from Alliance Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
FAQs
At what age should impacted canines be treated?
The ideal treatment window is usually between ages 11 and 14, when the canine roots are still developing, and orthodontic movement is more predictable. Starting treatment early can help avoid more invasive procedures later on.
Is surgery always necessary?
Not always. If the tooth is only slightly delayed or blocked, orthodontic appliances alone may encourage it to erupt. However, in cases where the tooth is trapped beneath gum or bone, surgical exposure is typically the most effective solution.
Will it hurt?
We use IV sedation to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Most patients experience mild soreness, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Can adults be treated for impacted canines?
Yes, but the process can be more complex. In adults, the tooth is more firmly set in the bone, and surrounding teeth may have shifted over time, making movement slower and sometimes requiring additional surgical steps.
