İmpacted Canine Tooth Treatment

Impacted Canine Tooth Treatment: Everything You Need to Know

What is an Impacted Canine Tooth?

An impacted canine tooth is a canine tooth that fails to erupt into the mouth at the expected time and remains embedded in the jawbone. Typically, after the wisdom teeth, canine teeth are the most frequently impacted. They are twice as common in females as in males and are usually found in the upper jaw.

Harms of Impacted Teeth

The issue of impacted canine teeth requires careful treatment. If not addressed early, it can cause significant damage to the dental structure:

• Erodes adjacent tooth roots: Scientific studies show that a canine tooth with improper eruption direction can erode the roots of permanent incisors between the ages of 10-13.
• Forms a dentigerous cyst: These are benign but undesirable lesions resulting from developmental or inflammatory causes.
• Pain formation: One of the harms of impacted teeth is that they can be insidious and may not cause pain for a long time.

Symptoms of Impacted Teeth

A correctly developed canine tooth helps in gripping and biting food and aids in speech. It also supports a full smile due to its position at the corners of the mouth. However, if not properly developed, it can cause problems, leading to impacted canine tooth treatment. Here are the symptoms of an impacted canine tooth:

• The counterpart has erupted, but the impacted tooth has not.
• If a baby canine tooth root has not started to resorb by age 12.
• No bulging (canine eminence) on the gum by age 12.
• If a baby canine tooth has not fallen out by age 13.
• Swelling or bulging in the palate (indicates superficial impaction).
• Occasionally, missing or malformed upper lateral incisors.
• Sparse or tipped adjacent incisors.
• The root of the baby canine tooth has not resorbed on time.
• Fusion of the baby canine tooth with the bone, preventing timely eruption.

Causes of Impacted Canine Teeth

The causes of impacted canine teeth are a common inquiry among those experiencing this problem. Identifying the source of the issue aids in better treatment. Here are the detailed causes:

• Palatal impaction: More influenced by genetic factors and congenital missing teeth.
• Buccal impaction: Early loss of baby teeth, arch-width discrepancies, and crowded teeth are more influential.
• Premature extraction of baby canine teeth causes space deficiency.

How to Detect an Impacted Canine Tooth?

An orthodontist can detect impacted canine teeth using periapical x-rays, panoramic x-rays, or cone-beam computed tomography. Early diagnosis is crucial, and the first orthodontic examination is recommended between ages 6 and 7.

Can an Impacted Canine Tooth Erupt Naturally?

An impacted canine tooth cannot erupt naturally. Orthodontic guidance is required to assist in its eruption.

What Happens if Impacted Tooth Treatment is Neglected?

The canine tooth has the longest and strongest root in the body. If an impacted tooth is not treated, its hard enamel can repeatedly impact the soft roots of neighbouring baby and permanent teeth, leading to root resorption and tooth loss. Early treatment can prevent extensive tooth loss and maintain both the impacted tooth and neighbouring teeth.

How is Impacted Tooth Treatment Performed?

Early diagnosis and intervention are the most desired approaches for impacted teeth. Without an orthodontic examination, early diagnosis is challenging. Misconceptions like "orthodontic treatments can only be done after ages 12-13" delay treatment. Modern orthodontics rejects this outdated belief, emphasizing the importance of early control. Orthodontic check-ups are recommended annually for primary school children. Treatment methods vary by age group:

• Early stage (ages 7-11): Orthodontic space creation and arch expansion.
• Later stage (ages 12+): Surgical exposure and orthodontic treatment to guide the tooth into the correct position.

Is Impacted Canine Tooth Surgery Difficult?

Impacted canine tooth surgery is not difficult and is performed under local anaesthesia, ensuring no pain. Post-surgery, maintaining good oral hygiene prevents pain.

How Long Does Impacted Canine Tooth Surgery Take?

The surgery is relatively short, taking about 5 to 45 minutes, depending on the tooth’s position and angle. It is simpler than wisdom tooth extraction.

What Happens if an Impacted Canine Tooth is Not Treated?

If not treated timely, the success rate of eruption decreases with age. However, regardless of age or severity, consulting an orthodontist is crucial as there may still be significant benefits.

How Long Does It Take to Erupt an Impacted Canine Tooth?

The duration for erupting an impacted canine tooth varies based on its position and angle. Some teeth can erupt in 2-3 months, while others may take 12-18 months.

Can Braces Be Applied with an Impacted Tooth?

Yes, braces can be applied while treating an impacted tooth. This simultaneous treatment reduces overall treatment time.

Can an Impacted Tooth Be Treated with Clear Aligners?

Teorically yes, but not practical. Unfortunately, clear aligners cannot treat impacted teeth as they require braces to move into position. Braces 4 times faster and more comforable than aligners. Braces acts like automatic eruptor.

Cost of Impacted Tooth Treatment with Braces

The cost of impacted tooth treatment varies based on the tooth’s position and angle. For detailed information, consult Kahraman Orthodontics and Aesthetic Dental Clinic.

Extraction of an Impacted Tooth

Never extract an impacted tooth without orthodontic consultation and approval. If no orthodontic attempt has been made, it is recommended to initiate treatment first.

Post-Extraction of an Impacted Tooth

After extraction, follow your doctor’s advice for wound healing. Avoid hot foods and smoking. Cold compresses are beneficial in the initial hours post-surgery.

What Happens if an Impacted Canine Tooth Should Be Extracted but Isn’t?

Neglecting to extract a medically indicated impacted tooth can lead to root resorption, unwanted tooth movement, and cyst formation.

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