Teeth impactions are normal, and they occur when the teeth do not erupt out of your gums into the oral cavity. There could be several causes to it ranging from genetics to trauma. You may suffer from a variety of tooth impactions, however this comprehensive article will explore impacted canine teeth. Canines are permanent teeth located on both sides of the front teeth. Impacted canines can result in a variety of symptoms.
Here is everything you need to know about impacted canines and their removal offered by the dental specialists offering cosmetic dentistry in Manassas, VA.
What is an impacted canine?
Impacted canine teeth occur when the permanent canine teeth, located at the corner of the upper and lower dental arch, get stuck in the gum line and struggle to break through. Impacted canines are common teeth problems that can occur in both children and adults. If left untreated they can lead to a series of future dental complications.
What causes impacted canines?
Impacted canines are commonly caused due to delayed tooth eruption. They may be caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors.
Genetic factors:
- Smaller jaw size
- Teeth crowding
- Having extra teeth
Environmental factors:
- Trauma
- Lack of space in the jaw
- Prolonged orthodontic treatment without proper extraction of teeth
- Chronic smoking
- Poor oral hygiene
What are the signs of impacted canines?
Symptoms of impacted canines include:
- Pain or discomfort in the mouth
- Swelling or tenderness around the affected tooth
- A persistent or throbbing toothache
- Red, inflamed gums around the affected tooth
- A noticeable gap or space between the teeth where the canines should be
What are the treatment options to manage impacted canines?
The treatment of impacted canines usually depends on the severity of the impaction and the age of the patient.
Treatment options include:
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Orthodontic treatment
- This involves braces and other orthodontic appliances to move the tooth to the desired position.
- In some cases, surgical procedures may be required to expose the tooth and allow it to move.
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Exposure and bonding
- For severe cases of impaction, an oral surgeon may perform surgical exposure and bonding.
- The impacted canine will be exposed and an orthodontic bracket will be attached to it.
- The bracket is then attached to a dental archwire that guides the tooth in the correct position.
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Extraction and oral surgery
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- For older patients and severe impaction cases, the impacted tooth is surgically removed.
- This also involves moving the adjacent teeth if necessary.
- Dental implants are used to replace the missing teeth.
If you notice your canines haven’t erupted, consult with your dentist for further evaluation and management. Early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to preventing further dental complications.
