Impacted Canines

Canine teeth, otherwise known as cuspids, fangs, or sometimes “eye teeth” (because they are directly beneath your eyes), have thicker and more conical roots than your incisors, which gives them a firmer connection to the jaw. Humans have two upper (maxillary) and two lower (mandibular) canines. Because your canines often have the longest roots, they are the last to fully erupt, generally around age 13.
You have likely heard of impacted wisdom teeth, which are the most common to become impacted, but upper canines are the second most common. Being impacted essentially means your tooth is unable to fully erupt and function correctly, or is blocked or stuck. Because wisdom teeth actually serve no important function, they are typically removed. Impacted canines, on the other hand, are critical to your bite and will require treatment in the following instances:

•Proper alignment & Function – Because your canines are essential to proper alignment and function of other teeth on the dental arch, impacted or missing canine teeth can seriously affect the function and aesthetic appearance of your smile.
•Closing Gaps – Since canine teeth are the last of your front teeth to erupt, they are necessary to close unsightly gaps between the other upper teeth.
•First Touch – Canines touch first when your jaw closes, so are vital to the “biting” mechanism of your teeth.

What causes canine teeth to become impacted?

There are several main reasons that canine teeth may become impacted:

Overcrowding – Improper alignment of your teeth often result in overcrowding. Thus, existing teeth compete for space, preventing the canines from having sufficient room to become fully functional.

Extra Teeth – At times, the natural eruption of your canines is inhibited by the presence of extra teeth. The canine tooth may be unable to erupt because of blockage from the extra tooth or the overcrowding caused may not allow room for your canine on the dental arch.

Unusual Growths – The soft tissue of the gums may, in rare instances, develop unusual growths and restrict the progress of canines, leading to later impaction.

Around the age of seven, via a thorough exam of the teeth, the dentist will document the number of teeth in your child’s mouth so that a record is kept regarding the presence or absence of the canines. This is especially important to pre-empt possible problems with impacted canines. As your child grows, it is less likely that an impacted canine tooth will erupt naturally. The dentist may recommend treatment if canines are missing or slow in erupting.

Oral Examination

Your dentist will complete a thorough visual examination of your teeth, along with individual and/or panorex x-rays. Determining the cause of the impaction is vital for determining the appropriate treatment option for you or your child. Options available will be dependent upon the age of the patient. The objective of the dentist, oral surgeon or orthodontist is to ensure the eruption of your impacted canine teeth.
What does the treatment of impacted canines involve?

If you are experiencing any overcrowding, for any reason, extraction of teeth may be recommended. This is typically completed under local anesthetic by an oral surgeon. The surgeon will expose the un-erupted canine tooth by lifting the gum and guiding the tooth into place with a special bracket. Younger patients may require an orthodontic brace that will be fitted to create space on your dental arch for the impacted canine.