Impacted Canines
Preserve Your Healthy, Attractive Smile
Protect Neighboring Teeth With Treatment for Impacted Canines in Virginia Beach
Advanced imaging shows us where the tooth sits and how close it lies to neighboring roots. With that information, our surgeons will work with your orthodontist to choose the best path. Exposure and bonding often lets your orthodontist guide the canine into its proper spot. If the tooth can't move into place, careful removal may protect the rest of your smile. IV sedation is available to help you or your child stay relaxed.
Schedule a consultation to learn which treatment option fits your smile.
Discover How We Can Expose an Impacted Canine
Canines are usually among the last front teeth to come in. Crowding or a baby tooth that stays too long can block their path. An impacted canine left in place can push against the roots of nearby teeth and cause damage over time. It may also leave a gap or keep your bite from lining up.
Treatment begins with an exam and advanced imaging. Our surgeons check the tooth's angle and depth, then team up with your orthodontist on a plan. Braces often create space first.
During exposure and bonding, your surgeon uncovers the canine and attaches a small bracket with a chain. Your orthodontist then gently pulls the tooth into line over several months. When a canine sits too deep or at a poor angle, removal and a future implant may be the better choice.
Find out how we handle impacted canines in Virginia Beach. Contact our team today for details.
Protected Tooth Roots
Treating an impacted canine early helps keep it from pressing on and damaging the roots of nearby teeth.
Natural Tooth Saved
Exposure and bonding often lets you keep your own canine instead of replacing it with an implant later.
Balanced Bite
A canine in its proper spot helps your upper and lower teeth meet evenly when you chew.
Complete Smile
Guiding the canine into place fills the gap at the corner of your smile for a fuller look.
Relaxed Surgery
In-office IV sedation helps you or your child stay calm while our surgeons work on your canine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Impacted Canines
Q What is an impacted canine?
An impacted canine is a canine tooth that stays stuck in the jawbone or gums instead of coming in normally. Upper canines are affected most often. The tooth may sit at an angle or press against nearby roots. Treatment often involves an oral surgeon working alongside an orthodontist to correct the problem.
Q What causes a canine tooth to become impacted?
A canine tooth often becomes impacted when there isn't enough room in the dental arch. A baby canine that stays in place too long can also block the adult tooth. Extra teeth or growths sometimes sit in the tooth's path. Genetics can play a role, since impacted canines often run in families.
Q At what age should a child be checked for impacted canines?
Q What are the signs of an impacted canine?
The most common sign of an impacted canine is a baby canine that is still in place after about age 13. Other signs include a gap where the adult canine should be or a bump on the roof of the mouth. Many impacted canines cause no pain, so X-rays are important.
Q What is exposure and bonding for an impacted canine?
Exposure and bonding is a minor surgery that helps an impacted canine move into place. The oral surgeon uncovers the tooth and attaches a small bracket with a tiny chain. An orthodontist then uses braces to slowly pull the canine down into its proper spot over several months. This often saves the natural tooth.
Q When does an impacted canine need to be removed?
Q How long does it take to bring an impacted canine into place?
Q What happens if an impacted canine is not treated?
An impacted canine that is not treated can damage the roots of nearby front teeth. Over time, a cyst may form around the trapped tooth. The baby canine may also loosen and fall out, leaving a gap. Early treatment lowers these risks and gives the tooth the best chance to erupt.
