Impacted CaninesLike wisdom teeth, your canines can become impacted in many ways. Often, the canines are the last adult teeth to come in, facing similar complications to wisdom teeth. The eruption of canines can cause dental crowding and an overall lack of mouth space, which is especially an issue if the first set of teeth decide to stick around. Impacted canines can sometimes be so severe that surgical correction is ultimately necessary. Because the canines play a vital role in oral health and functions such as biting, speech, and dental arch support, impacted canines can’t always be extracted like wisdom teeth. Instead, your canines may require more specialized surgery to realign and reposition them properly. The severity and degree of impaction will determine how the impacted canine teeth are treated. Early detection of impacted canine teeth means an improved outcome and a brief recovery. For our younger patients, the alignment process of impacted canines can be expedited by removing baby teeth. A slight misalignment of the canines can also be addressed with the use of orthodontic devices like braces. The canine teeth must be surgically extracted, however, if the impaction is serious or jeopardizing nearby teeth. Impacted Canine ProcedureDuring the procedure, your surgeon will expose the impacted tooth. Once the tooth is exposed, a small orthopedic device will be placed on the tooth as a guide. This device has an attached chain that will help guide the impacted canine into the correct position. After surgery, the patient will return to our office for a follow-up appointment. At this appointment, a rubber band will be attached to the chain, applying a pulling force to the impacted tooth. With this process, the tooth will be gradually moved into the correct position on the dental arch, preventing the need for extraction. Along with this procedure, we offer many different treatment options for impacted canine teeth. The preferred treatment option will vary depending on the individual and their needs. Impacted Canine RecoveryIn the first few days after surgery, you may experience some slight bleeding. Any discomfort or pain during the initial recovery period can be addressed with over-the-counter pain medications. Ice packs can also be used to address pain and swelling. During recovery, it is best to eat softer foods and maintain good oral hygiene to encourage healing. Be sure to return to the Dallas Oral Surgery office within two weeks of surgery for your follow-up appointment. Improving your smile, your bite, and eliminating pain are just some of the many benefits of surgical or orthodontic treatment for impacted canines that we offer at Dallas Oral Surgery Associates. If you suspect you or a family member may have an impacted canine tooth, early detection and treatment can prevent future pain and complications; be sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. To schedule an evaluation appointment or learn more about impacted canine teeth, give us a call at 214-363-9946 today. |