Impacted Canines

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Humans have two upper (maxillary) canines and two lower (mandibular) canines. These teeth are also known as cuspids, fangs, or “eye teeth” because they sit beneath the eyes. Canine teeth have long, strong roots. As a result, they form a firm connection to the jaw. In fact, they often have the longest roots of all teeth. In addition, they are usually the last teeth to erupt, often around age 13.

An impacted tooth is blocked or unable to fully erupt. While wisdom teeth are most commonly impacted, upper canines are the second most common. However, unlike wisdom teeth, canines play a critical role in your bite. Therefore, impacted canines require treatment for several important reasons:

Closing gaps:
Canines help close spaces between the front teeth. As a result, they improve the appearance of your smile.

First contact:
Canines are the first teeth to touch when you bite down. Therefore, they guide the rest of the teeth into proper position.

Proper alignment and function:
Canines support the alignment of the entire dental arch. In addition, they play a key role in both function and appearance.

What causes teeth to become impacted canines?

There are several common causes of impacted canine teeth:

Extra teeth:
Extra teeth can block the path of eruption. As a result, the canine may not have enough space to come in properly.

Overcrowding:
When the dental arch is crowded, teeth compete for space. Therefore, canines may become trapped and unable to erupt.

Unusual growths:
In rare cases, growths in the gum tissue can block eruption. As a result, the canine becomes impacted.

Early evaluation can help prevent problems with impacted canines. For example, dentists often examine children around age 7 to track tooth development.

As a patient gets older, the chances of natural eruption decrease. Therefore, early detection is important. If canines are missing or slow to erupt, your dentist can recommend the best treatment.

Oral Examination

First, your dentist performs a detailed visual exam. In addition, X-rays—such as a panoramic (panorex) image—help locate the impacted tooth.

Once your dentist identifies the cause, they will recommend treatment options. These options depend on the patient’s age and condition.

The main goal is to guide the impacted canine into its proper position. This process may involve a dentist, oral surgeon, or orthodontist.

What does the treatment of impacted canines involve?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the impaction.

If overcrowding is the issue, your dentist may recommend removing certain teeth. This creates space for the canine to erupt. Next, an oral surgeon may expose the impacted tooth by gently lifting the gum. Then, they attach a small bracket to guide the tooth into place.

In younger patients, orthodontic braces may be used to create space and assist with alignment. As a result, the canine can move into its correct position over time. Surgery for impacted canines is typically an outpatient procedure. Therefore, you can return home the same day.

After treatment, your dentist may prescribe medication to manage discomfort. In addition, you will receive detailed aftercare instructions to support healing.