Impacted Canines

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Why Do Canines Become Impacted?

Impacted canines are teeth that become stuck and fail to erupt properly. Because canines play a vital role in guiding your bite and maintaining proper dental alignment, early diagnosis and treatment are important. Addressing impacted canines early can help preserve your natural tooth, shorten orthodontic treatment time, and prevent more complex procedures later.

Canines may become impacted due to crowding, lack of space, extra teeth, retained baby teeth, or genetic and alignment factors. About 60% are located in the roof of the mouth, with others positioned within the jawbone or near the outer gums. It’s not uncommon for more than one canine to be impacted, and they can often be treated in a single visit.

Early detection is key, as younger patients are more likely to have impacted canines guided into place without surgery or extraction. Screenings with a panoramic X-ray around ages 7–8 can identify potential issues early, and if addressed by ages 11–12, the tooth may erupt naturally. Delaying treatment increases the risk of permanent impaction, and in adults, impacted canines may fuse to the bone, making eruption much more difficult.

Treatment: Guiding the Tooth Into Place

1-Coordinated Plan

Treatment begins with a coordinated plan between your orthodontist and oral surgeon.

2-Creating Space

Your orthodontist places braces to create space for the impacted tooth.

3-Tooth Placement

Your oral surgeon performs the necessary procedure to guide the tooth into position. 

Precision. Compassion. Results. Schedule Your Consultation Today.

Scottsdale

Sedona

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