Impacted Canines

Canine teeth, also known as cuspids, are essential to your bite and overall dental health. When these teeth don’t erupt correctly, they can become impacted—remaining trapped beneath the gum or bone. At Oral Surgery + of Baton Rouge, we specialize in diagnosing and treating impacted canines to maintain both the function and aesthetics of your smile.

What Are Impacted Canines?

Canines assist in tearing food and play a key role in aligning the bite. An impacted canine is one that fails to emerge naturally, often getting stuck in the gum or jawbone. This condition can lead to pain, misalignment, and other oral health concerns.

Causes of Impacted Canines

Several underlying issues may lead to canine impaction, such as:

• Genetic Predisposition: A family history of dental irregularities may increase the chance of impaction.
• Overcrowding: When there isn’t enough space in the mouth, canines may not have room to come in properly.
• Abnormal Tooth Growth: Extra or misaligned teeth can obstruct the path of the canine.
• Prolonged Retention of Baby Teeth: Baby teeth that remain too long can block permanent canines from emerging.

Signs and Symptoms

Detecting impacted canines early improves treatment results. Watch for these common indicators:

• Missing Canines: Adult canines that don’t appear when expected.
• Swelling or Tenderness: Discomfort in the gum area where the tooth should come in.
• Misaligned Teeth: Shifting or crowding of nearby teeth.
• Difficulty Chewing: Trouble with tearing food due to a missing or misaligned canine.

Treatment for Impacted Canines

• Initial Consultation: A comprehensive exam with X-rays or 3D imaging helps determine the location and condition of the impacted tooth.
• Customized Treatment Plan: A personalized plan is created, which may involve both surgical and orthodontic components.
• Surgical Exposure: A minor procedure is done to expose the impacted tooth by gently lifting the gum tissue.
• Orthodontic Assistance: Braces or other orthodontic appliances are used to move the exposed tooth into its correct place.
• Postoperative Care: After surgery, we provide detailed care instructions and schedule regular follow-ups to ensure smooth healing and progress.

Benefits of Treating Impacted Canines

• Improved Alignment: Helps other teeth stay aligned and improves your bite.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: Correcting the position of the canines boosts the appearance of your smile.
• Prevention of Dental Issues: Early treatment can prevent problems like infections, cysts, and damage to nearby teeth.

At Oral Surgery + of Baton Rouge, our skilled team offers expert, compassionate care for impacted canines. We use state-of-the-art techniques to ensure successful outcomes and support long-term oral health.

If you think you or your child may have impacted canines, reach out today to book a consultation. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process with the care you deserve.