Impacted Canines – Alexandria, VA
Promoting Proper Oral Development
Here at Northern Virginal Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery, we offer a broad range of services, including those that aren’t often talked about in popular discussions about oral health. For example, we offer treatment for impacted canine teeth. On this page, you’ll learn what impacted canines are, why they are problematic, and how an oral surgeon in Alexandria can help to address them.
Why Choose Northern Virginal Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery for Impacted Canine Treatment?
- Board-Certified Oral Surgeons
- Multiple Convenient Locations
- Advanced Technology
What Are Impacted Canines?
An impacted tooth is simply one that does not fully erupt from the gumline. Teeth can be fully impacted (the crown never makes an appearance outside of the gums) or partially impacted (a portion of the tooth erupts). Most commonly, this issue affects the third molars at the back of the mouth, which are also known as the wisdom teeth. However, it can affect other teeth as well, including the canines. Your canine teeth, also called cuspid teeth or eye teeth, are the pointy teeth near the front of your mouth. The top canines are more likely to be impacted than the bottom ones.
Diagnosis of Impacted Teeth
The earlier impacted teeth are diagnosed, the simpler treatment is. Around age 7, children should have all of their teeth counted and have an X-Ray performed so their dentist can get an idea of how their adult teeth are developing. If there are any issues that might affect the eruption of the canine teeth, the dentist can recognize these and recommend the patient’s next steps. Generally, a patient may be referred to either an orthodontist or an oral surgeon — it depends on the cause of the impaction and how severe the problem is.
Problems Caused by Impacted Canine Teeth
Impacted canine teeth can cause a range of issues. For example, the canines play a significant role in proper occlusion (bite). If they are not in their proper teeth, the other teeth may not be aligned properly when the mouth is closed. It is also possible that the canines will try to erupt. However, if there is not enough room between the other teeth, the canines may push them out of place, leading to dental misalignment, as well as an increased risk of infection and tooth decay.
Treatment of Impacted Teeth
The most common and conservative method for addressing impacted canines is orthodontia. Braces can move the other teeth, creating space for the canines to erupt into their proper places. This often works if the impaction is diagnosed early enough in a patient’s life. In some cases, an oral surgeon must remove extra teeth or baby teeth that have not yet fallen out in order to make room for the canines.
If the patient is past age 13 – 14, the canine teeth are unlikely to erupt on their own even if space is available. In such cases, an oral surgeon can help. The impacted teeth are exposed, and special brackets are placed on them. The brackets then guide the teeth into their proper places.
For older patients (40+), the impacted canines may be fused into place, meaning that they cannot erupt even with the help of special brackets. At that point, removing them altogether may be the best course of action. Later, they may be replaced with implants or a bridge.
Are you wondering what to do about your (or your child’s) impacted canine teeth? Contact us today — we are ready to answer all of your questions about this issue and possible treatment options.
Impacted Canines FAQs
Why Do Canine Teeth Become Impacted?
Impacted canines in Alexandria can occur for a few reasons, the most common of which is genetics. Your DNA has a big influence on the development of your teeth and jaws. It could cause your upper jaw to be too small to accommodate your canine, which can lead to impaction. Plus, some people are genetically predisposed to issues like missing teeth, extra teeth, and overcrowding.
Facial trauma could also play a role in improper placement of the canine teeth. For example, an injury during a critical stage of development could affect your jaw or teeth in a way that causes impaction.
What Could Happen if I Do Not Treat My Impacted Canines?
If impacted canines remain untreated, they may cause several complications. For example:
- You could experience pain, swelling, or infection in the affected area.
- Impacted teeth sometimes damage neighboring teeth or disrupt overall bite alignment.
- In rare cases, cysts may develop, leading to bone loss or further dental concerns.
- Impacted canines can adversely affect the aesthetics of your smile. Since they are right at the front of the mouth, others are likely to notice the gaps, overcrowding, or other issues that can arise due to the impaction.
Our oral surgery practice recommends early intervention to help protect your oral health and maintain your smile. Prompt care allows you to avoid unnecessary discomfort and future complications.
If I Have to Get My Impacted Canines Removed, Can They Be Replaced?
If it becomes necessary for us to remove your impacted canines, replacement options may be available. Dental implants offer a reliable solution; they provide both strong function and a natural appearance. Bridges may also restore your bite, depending on your situation.
In some cases, such as if there is significant crowding, you might need orthodontia to make space for a replacement tooth. In other instances, braces can be used to close a gap left by impacted canines in order to give the smile a more uniform appearance.
Our oral surgery team evaluates each case carefully and will let you know what options fit your unique case.
Does Treatment for Impacted Canines Hurt?
Treatment for impacted canines typically does not cause significant pain. Patient comfort is very important to us, so our Alexandria practice uses local anesthesia and sedation to help you enjoy easy procedures.
You are likely to experience some soreness after surgery, which usually resolves within a few days to a couple of weeks. Our team will provide clear instructions for post-treatment care with the goal of minimizing your discomfort and supporting a smooth recovery process. For example, you might need to get extra rest, adjust your diet, or take other practical measures.
Am I Too Old to Get Treatment for My Impacted Canines?
No, you are not too old.
Generally, treatment is easier at younger ages because the canine teeth may not be completely solidified in the jawbone. Therefore, using orthodontia or special brackets to move the teeth into position is often possible. If you are older, it might be necessary to completely remove the impacted canines. However, this is still a good treatment option that can open the way for improved oral health and a more attractive smile.
We encourage you to come in for a consultation to find out what is possible in your unique case.