The Danger of Ignoring an Impacted Canine Tooth

At Cannon Oral Surgery, we understand how important it is to have access to a dental team you can get to know and trust. That’s why we strive to provide excellent service to all of the residents of Chattanooga, Tennessee, who entrust us with their care. 

Let’s talk about impacted canine teeth and why it is so important to take action when you notice one. This dental health issue is more common than many people realize, and ignoring it can only make matters worse. 

What is an impacted canine tooth?

Your canine teeth (cuspids) are the two upper teeth that sit just beside your four front teeth (incisors), and the two lower teeth that sit just beside your four front bottom teeth (incisors). However, not everyone develops all 32 permanent teeth, so it’s possible to have fewer canines or for their positions to be slightly different. 

An impacted tooth is fully or partially trapped beneath your gum tissue or jawbone. Impacted teeth don’t grow in normally. You can sometimes see part of an impacted tooth, or it can be fully trapped beneath your gum tissue. Wisdom teeth and canines are the most commonly impacted teeth, but impaction can happen to any tooth. 

How do I know if I have an impacted canine tooth?

Not all impacted canines can be seen or felt. The only way to gain a full understanding of your dental health is to come in for a comprehensive dental exam, including imaging. X-ray imaging provides a clear visual representation of your dental structures, including the tooth and the bone tissue beneath your gums. 

Dr. Cannon can identify an impacted canine tooth by examining your X-rays. The next step is determining how to get the impacted tooth to emerge into your dental arch. 

Why do I have to take action to treat an impacted tooth? 

It’s important to address an impacted canine tooth as soon as possible. Doing so improves your chance of achieving a properly aligned smile. 

If you don’t get treatment as an adolescent or young adult, it may not be possible to create the space needed for the impacted tooth to emerge properly. That’s because the impacted tooth will eventually become fully fused into place within your jawbone. At that point, the only viable option is to extract, or pull, the tooth. 

The preferred treatment involves making room for an impacted tooth to extend through your gum tissue and into place alongside your other teeth. This process is usually done through a collaboration with Dr. Cannon and your orthodontist. 

Braces can help shift your teeth to make room for the impacted tooth to emerge. If necessary,  any baby teeth that have not fallen out on their own will be surgically removed. Treatment might include lifting the gum tissue covering the impacted tooth. 

Your practitioner can secure a bracket to the impacted tooth and attach it to your treatment wire. This provides the gentle pressure needed to slowly move the tooth into optimal alignment. Once the tooth is properly aligned, Dr. Cannon goes back in to surgically place the lifted gum tissue back over the tooth’s roots. 

Ready to explore your options? We’re here to help

If you’re concerned about an impacted canine tooth, the first step is coming in for a comprehensive dental exam and diagnostic assessment. Dr. Cannon explains all of your treatment options, as well as what to expect if you decide to forego treatment. 

When you leave this visit, you’ll have all the details you need to make an informed decision about your care. Our office staff can also help you determine whether your preferred treatment is covered by insurance and what to expect in terms of pricing. 

When you’re ready, reach out to Cannon Oral Surgery online or over the phone to schedule a visit. We’re always happy to welcome new patients into our practice, and look forward to meeting you!