Impacted Canines

An impacted tooth is blocked or “stuck” underneath the gum line, and does not emerge into its correct position on its own. Most often, an impacted tooth will be a third molar, or wisdom tooth, though this is a common occurrence with canine teeth as well.

Canines are located at the corners of the arch, next to the incisors. They have one pointed edge (cusp) which is used for holding, grasping, and tearing food. Because of the canine’s long root, they are very strong, stable teeth. They are often the last teeth to appear, and usually do so when your child is around the age of 12 or 13.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children undergo an orthodontic examination by the age of seven, which gives us the opportunity to monitor your son or daughter’s teeth eruption and detect impactions early.

If your youngster develops an impacted canine, a simple surgical procedure is recommended to assist the eruption of the tooth. We will surgically expose the tooth by cutting a small flap in the surrounding gum. After the tooth is exposed, we will either leave it to erupt on its own, or attach an orthodontic bracket to the tooth to help guide its descent.

With early detection and combined surgical and orthodontic treatment, impacted canines can be allowed to emerge and/or be guided to the most ideal position in your child’s mouth.