YOU CAN’T SEE IT...
Yet, it often creeps up on other teeth and takes a bite out of their roots.
There is danger in the unerupted impacted canine.
An Orthodontist Knows How To Recognize The Problem
Early detection of impacted canines is often missed by non-orthodontists. The teeth and bite may look great and there may be no patient complaints. Yet, an orthodontist knows that when primary canines are not lost by age 12, lurking below the surface of the oral cavity, there may be... the impacted canine.
Working With A Team, We Can Eliminate The Threat
Impacted canines can be detected by panoramic X-ray or a CBCT for a 3-dimensional view. Once found, your orthodontist will recommend opening adequate space orthodontically for the impacted canine and refer you to an oral surgeon for impacted canine exposure. The oral surgeon will then expose your canine and place an orthodontic bracket with a gold chain attached on to the impacted tooth. Your orthodontist will then bring your impacted canine into your mouth slowly, gently, and methodically. Once in your mouth, your canine can function properly. Your canine can no longer be a threat to your bone or other teeth.
When Is The Time Right?
It is important to bring in an impacted canine into your mouth as soon as possible. Movement around age 12 is ideal. Movement after age 15 is slower. Movement after age 21 may no longer be possible.
What’s The Danger?
Why remove the impacted canine? The primary baby tooth canine will eventually be lost. It may be at age 40, 50, or 30. We don’t know when, but chances are, the baby tooth canine will not be maintained for your entire adult life. When lost, it may not be possible to place an implant for tooth replacement with the impacted canine in an implant blocking position. Your impacted canine could limit your future tooth replacement options to a fixed bridge or partial denture. As an adult, an impacted canine is very difficult to remove.
Call Us For More Information
This case was treated by Board Certified Orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca of Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, CA. Find us at www.clubbraces.com or call us at 925-757-9000 for a complimentary orthodontic examination.
Kowabunga Dude! Don’t be scared of an impacted canine! Expose this threat for ideal dental health.
Margaret says:
I have an impacted Canine. I still have my baby tooth, but my dentists have told me (by looking at my x-rays) that my adult tooth is slanted, and will not come down into place. I am currently 19... is it too late to look into surgery to correct this?