Your canine teeth are the long, somewhat pointy teeth near the front of your mouth. When they develop properly, canines play an important role in helping you to bite and chew food. Unfortunately, for some people, impacted canines in Alexandria are a problem. This blog post discusses what impacted canines are and how an oral surgeon can help to address them.
What Are Impacted Canines?
An impacted tooth is one that does not erupt properly. It can be fully impacted (completely stuck beneath the gumline) or partially impacted (a portion of the tooth erupts). Impacted canines can contribute to many additional problems, including:
- A misaligned bite and crooked teeth
- Dental decay
- Gum disease
- Abscesses and cysts
- An unattractive smile
Roughly 2% of the population has an impacted canine tooth. For most of these individuals, only one of their upper canine teeth is affected. However, some people find that both of their upper canines are stuck beneath the gumline.
Getting Started with Treatment
Treatment for impacted canines is generally more successful for younger people, so if you or someone in your family is suffering from this issue, you should consult with your dentist ASAP. They will take some X-rays in order to understand the extent of the problem before recommending your next steps. Depending on what their examination uncovers, they may urge you to visit either an orthodontist or an oral surgeon — perhaps even both.
What an Orthodontist Can Do
In some cases, impacted teeth do not erupt because there is simply not enough room in the dental arch. Braces can shift the other teeth, creating space for the canines to emerge properly. If necessary, the braces may be placed after an oral surgeon removes extra teeth or baby teeth that are lingering in the mouth longer than they should.
What an Oral Surgeon Can Do
For teens and young adults, impacted canines may not emerge on their own even if braces create space in the dental arch. An oral surgeon may have to expose the canines and attach a special bracket to them. The bracket is then connected to a small chain or elastic. The bracket gently pulls the tooth downward to guide it into its proper place.
Unfortunately, for older adults (usually those over 40), impacted canines are unable to emerge, even with the help of specialized brackets. In such cases, an oral surgeon in Alexandria may determine that it is best to remove the teeth altogether and replace them with dental implants.
Impacted canines are not a common problem — but they are a serious one. Seeking prompt treatment for this issue could help you enjoy many years of healthy, attractive, problem-free smiles.
Meet the Practice
The four board-certified oral surgeons at Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery have a wealth of combined experience. Impacted canine teeth are among the many issues that they are capable of treating in our three conveniently located offices. To learn more about them and how our team may be able to serve your family, contact us at 571-777-6501.