Impacted Canines

It’s not uncommon for some teeth to become impacted – or lodged in the jawbone. This prevents proper eruption and can have a negative effect on overall oral health. Approximately two percent of the population has impacted canines. Unlike wisdom teeth, canines are essential from a functional standpoint. When they become impacted, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible so the teeth can be brought into proper alignment.

Dr Zoud performs procedures to expose impacted canines at Wisdom Specialist Centre. This treatment allows patients to enjoy optimal oral health and function.

About Canine Teeth

Canines are vital to your occlusion and your overall oral health. Here are just a few quick facts about canine teeth:

Canines help tear food, aiding in proper nutrition.

The maxillary canines are usually the last teeth to erupt – typically around the age of 13.

Your overall alignment is dependent on the proper eruption of the canines. When these teeth become impacted, they can lead to several dental problems, including movement of the adjacent teeth, cyst formation, damage to the adjacent teeth, infection and pain.

The maxillary canines are the first teeth to touch when biting down and they help guide the other teeth into place.

Cause of Impacted Canines

There are a few reasons why canines may become impacted. This condition may be due to:

Crowding:

If the teeth in the upper jaw do not have enough space to erupt properly, the canines may become impacted.

Supernumerary teeth:

Sometimes individuals develop extra teeth. If this occurs, the canines can be blocked from erupting.

Soft tissue lesions:

Though rare, growths or lesions on the gums can prevent teeth from erupting properly.

If detected early enough, impacted canines may be treatable during childhood. Early stage orthodontics can often move the teeth into proper alignment without the need for surgery later on. However, if the jawbone is already fully developed, then you’ll likely need to see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Treating Impacted Canines

It’s important to address impacted canines to reduce the risk of future oral health issues. Here’s what patients can expect when they undergo treatment at Wisdom Specialist Centre.

Initial Consultation

During the first visit with Dr Zoud, he will assess the impacted canines as well as the health of all surrounding structures. X-rays are taken to visualise the teeth and the supporting jawbone so a proper treatment plan can be created.

Exposing the Impacted Canines

The day of your surgery, Dr Zoud administers local anaesthesia for your comfort. We can also provide general anaesthesia at one of our private hospital operating locations.

Next, a small incision is created in the gums. Some bone may also be removed to access the impacted tooth surface.

Bonding the Bracket

When the tooth crown is fully exposed, an orthodontic bracket is bonded onto the surface. A small chain is then attached to the bracket, and the other end of the chain is attached to the arch wire.

Moving the Tooth

Two weeks after the oral surgery procedure, an orthodontist attaches a rubber band to the chain. This begins the process of gradually moving the canine into its proper alignment.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Exposing impacted canine teeth is a fairly straightforward procedure that can be completed in about one hour. To learn more about this treatment, schedule a consultation at our surgery, serving Burwood, Westmead, and surrounding communities. Contact us online or call us at (02) 8021 2728 (Burwood) or (02) 9633 4552 (Westmead).

Burwood Rooms

Shop 1/8 Burwood Rd
Burwood NSW 2134
P: (02) 8021 2728
F: (02) 8021 2723
info@wisdomcentre.com.au

    Westmead Rooms

    Suite 40, Daher Centre, 163 – 171
    Hawkesbury Road Westmead,
    NSW 2145
    P: (02) 9633 4552
    F: (02) 9893 8801
    reception@westmeadomfs.com.au