Canine teeth are sometimes referred to as cuspids, fangs, or “eye teeth” due to their direct positioning beneath the eyes. Canine teeth have thicker and much more conical roots than incisors and therefore come with an especially firm connection to the jaw. Canine teeth usually have the longest root of all teeth within the human mouth, and the last to erupt, then drop into place; typically around age 13.
An impacted tooth basically means that it is blocked, stuck, or unable to erupt and function properly. Third molars (wisdom teeth) most commonly fall victim to impaction; however the upper canine may be the second most common tooth being impacted. Wisdom teeth serve no important function in the mouth and therefore are frequently removed; however, impacted canines are critical to bite and require a procedure for the following reasons:
- Closing Gaps – Canines would be the last of the front teeth to fall in place and for that reason close any unattractive gaps between the other upper teeth.
- First Touch – Canines play a vital role in the “biting” mechanism of the teeth. They touch first once the jaw closes, and guide the other teeth into position.
- Proper Alignment & Function – Canine teeth are crucial towards the correct alignment and function from the other teeth on the dental arch. Missing or impacted canines can greatly modify the function and aesthetic appearance of the smile.
What causes canine teeth to be impacted?
There are many main causes for impacted canine teeth:
- Extra Teeth – If extra teeth are present, the natural eruption from the canine teeth may be inhibited. The eruption progress of the canine might be directly blocked by an additional tooth or the subsequent overcrowding might leave no room on the dental arch for that canine.
- Overcrowding – In some cases, poor alignment from the front teeth can result in overcrowding. The existing teeth contend for space which means that the canines do not have sufficient room being functional.
- Unusual Growths – On rare occasions, unusual growths around the soft tissue from the gums can restrict the progress of canine teeth, which results in later impaction.
Early and thorough examination of one’s teeth can pre-empt problems with impacted canines. It is necessary for your dentist to document the number teeth present once the patient is about 7 years old in order to record the presence or lack of canine teeth. The older the patient becomes, the not as likely it is that the impacted canine tooth will erupt naturally. If canine teeth are missing or very slow in fully erupting, the dentist could make strategies for proper treatment often involving a referral to an orthodontist or oral surgeon.
Oral Examination
The dentist initially conducts an intensive visual examination of one’s teeth, accompanied by a panorex x-ray and/or individual x-rays. Once the cause of the impaction has been determined, there will be several treatments available based upon the age of the individual.
Canine teeth are sometimes referred to as cuspids, fangs, or “eye teeth” due to their direct positioning beneath the eyes. Canine teeth have thicker and much more conical roots than incisors and therefore come with an especially firm connection to the jaw. Canine teeth usually have the longest root of all teeth within the human mouth, and the last to erupt, then drop into place; typically around age 13.
An impacted tooth basically means that it is blocked, stuck, or unable to erupt and function properly. Third molars (wisdom teeth) most commonly fall victim to impaction; however the upper canine may be the second most common tooth being impacted. Wisdom teeth serve no important function in the mouth and therefore are frequently removed; however, impacted canines are critical to bite and require a procedure for the following reasons:
- Closing Gaps – Canines would be the last of the front teeth to fall in place and for that reason close any unattractive gaps between the other upper teeth.
- First Touch – Canines play a vital role in the “biting” mechanism of the teeth. They touch first once the jaw closes, and guide the other teeth into position.
- Proper Alignment & Function – Canine teeth are crucial towards the correct alignment and function from the other teeth on the dental arch. Missing or impacted canines can greatly modify the function and aesthetic appearance of the smile.
What causes canine teeth to be impacted?
There are many main causes for impacted canine teeth:
- Extra Teeth – If extra teeth are present, the natural eruption from the canine teeth may be inhibited. The eruption progress of the canine might be directly blocked by an additional tooth or the subsequent overcrowding might leave no room on the dental arch for that canine.
- Overcrowding – In some cases, poor alignment from the front teeth can result in overcrowding. The existing teeth contend for space which means that the canines do not have sufficient room being functional.
- Unusual Growths – On rare occasions, unusual growths around the soft tissue from the gums can restrict the progress of canine teeth, which results in later impaction.
Early and thorough examination of one’s teeth can pre-empt problems with impacted canines. It is necessary for your dentist to document the number teeth present once the patient is about 7 years old in order to record the presence or lack of canine teeth. The older the patient becomes, the not as likely it is that the impacted canine tooth will erupt naturally. If canine teeth are missing or very slow in fully erupting, the dentist could make strategies for proper treatment often involving a referral to an orthodontist or oral surgeon.
Oral Examination
The dentist initially conducts an intensive visual examination of one’s teeth, accompanied by a panorex x-ray and/or individual x-rays. Once the cause of the impaction has been determined, there will be several treatments available based upon the age of the individual.
What does treating impacted canines involve?
The objective is to aid the eruption from the impacted canines, and this can be skillfully done by an orthodontist and oral surgeon. In case your mouth is overcrowded for any reason, the orthodontist may recommend extraction of selected teeth. The extractions will normally be practiced by a dental surgeon. The un-erupted canine will then be exposed by lifting the gum, and guided by the orthodontist into position utilizing a special bracket.
When it comes to younger patients, an orthodontic brace might be suited to create a space around the dental arch for the impacted canine. IV sedation is usually suggested for surgery involving impacted canines. Pain medication will be prescribed as necessary, and you’ll get post operative advice for your recovery.
The objective is to aid the eruption from the impacted canines, and this can be skillfully done by an orthodontist and oral surgeon. In case your mouth is overcrowded for any reason, the orthodontist may recommend extraction of selected teeth. The extractions will normally be practiced by a dental surgeon. The un-erupted canine will then be exposed by lifting the gum, and guided by the orthodontist into position utilizing a special bracket.
When it comes to younger patients, an orthodontic brace might be suited to create a space around the dental arch for the impacted canine. IV sedation is usually suggested for surgery involving impacted canines. Pain medication will be prescribed as necessary, and you’ll get post operative advice for your recovery.