If your canine teeth are impacted, it means that they are trapped in your gum and jawbone and unable to erupt properly. Our dentists can provide treatments to help these teeth erupt properly and prevent infection, tooth misalignment and other problems from occurring. We invite you to contact A+ Dental & Implant Center for more information about how canine exposure in Escondido and San Diego, California, can benefit you and schedule a consultation.
Canine Exposure: Guiding Impacted Teeth into Proper Position
In a healthy smile, each tooth follows a natural eruption path to emerge through the gums at the right time and in the correct position. However, this process does not always occur as expected. In some cases, a tooth may remain trapped beneath the gum and bone, a condition known as impaction. While wisdom teeth are the most commonly impacted teeth, the upper canine teeth are the second most frequently affected.
Canine teeth play a critical role in your bite, helping to guide the alignment of your other teeth and supporting a strong, functional dental arch. Because of their importance, impacted canines are usually not extracted like wisdom teeth. Instead, a procedure called canine exposure is performed to help the tooth emerge and move into its proper position.
Identifying an Impacted Canine
An impacted canine is typically discovered during a routine dental exam or through X-rays, especially during the early teenage years when permanent teeth are still erupting. Our dental team will evaluate the position of the tooth and determine whether there is enough room in the dental arch for it to emerge naturally. If the impacted canine is affecting neighboring teeth or is unlikely to erupt on its own, we will recommend treatment to help guide it into place.
What to Expect During Canine Exposure
The canine exposure procedure is usually performed in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. The goal is to uncover the impacted tooth and assist it in moving into its correct position over time. To begin, our dentists will gently lift the gum tissue covering the impacted canine. In some cases, simply exposing the tooth is enough to allow it to erupt naturally.
If the tooth needs additional assistance, we may bond a small orthodontic bracket and chain to the exposed tooth. This chain is connected to the braces, which apply gentle, consistent pressure to slowly move the tooth into alignment over several months. This process is carefully monitored in coordination with your orthodontist to ensure ideal positioning and stability.
Supporting a Healthy, Aligned Smile
Canine exposure is a highly effective and predictable procedure that preserves the health and function of your smile. By guiding an impacted canine into place, we help maintain proper bite alignment, prevent crowding and support a symmetrical, attractive appearance.
Schedule an Evaluation Today
If you or your child has been told that a canine tooth is impacted, early intervention can make a significant difference. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the canine exposure process and collaborate with our dentists to ensure the best outcome. Call our office today at 760-566-7434 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.
