Impacted canines, also known as impacted canine teeth, refer to the condition where the canines, which are the pointed teeth located near the front of the upper and lower jaw, do not erupt into their normal positions within the dental arch.
Instead, they become obstructed, blocked, or trapped in the bone or gum tissue, failing to emerge as they should.
Impacted canines are a relatively common dental issue and can occur in both the upper and lower jaw.
If you find yourself with impacted canines in Dublin OH, Rekos & Border Oral Surgery can help.
The Importance of Early Visits to the Orthodontist
When it comes to diagnosing canines that are impacted, time is of the essence.
Canines are critical teeth, and without them basic tasks like biting and tearing food can be difficult or even impossible.
Because of their late eruption, though, impacted canines are often not caught until it is too late to prevent problems from occurring.
This is why it is so important to follow the guidelines created by the American Association of Orthodontists and schedule an orthodontic assessment for your child once they are seven years old, or even earlier.
X-rays can help us diagnose the risk of impacted canines before they are actually impacted, meaning your child will never have to deal with them.
Diagnosing Impacted Canine Teeth
It is important for early detection in order to have a successful treatment.
This allows specialists to determine whether there are any problem areas with tooth eruption or jawbone development.
This will allow them to make note of any issues with the canine teeth.
It is important to note that canines have longer roots than any other teeth in the mouth.
This means they have a much longer path to eruption and can take considerably longer than any other teeth in the patient's mouth.
When canine teeth are impacted, they appear to come in across the roots of other teeth.
If left untreated, this can mean the canines will attempt to erupt through the roof of the mouth.
They are looking for the path of least resistance and looking for entry into the mouth.
Treatment for Impacted Canines
In many cases, the impacted canine may need to be extracted if it is unlikely to erupt properly, is causing pain, or poses a risk to adjacent teeth.
The extraction is typically performed by an oral surgeon.
After the extraction, orthodontic treatment, such as braces, may be necessary to create space in the dental arch and guide the canine into its proper position.
Impacted Teeth Dublin OH
If you have been told you have impacted canines or think you may have them, please contact us today so we can take the steps to treat you.
Whether you simply need to discuss your treatment options, need a second opinion, or have questions you need answers to, Rekos & Border Oral Surgery is here to serve.
Please feel free to contact us at (614) 764-9455 to find out more or to get an appointment scheduled.
