Impacted Canines in Salida, CO

However, when a canine tooth fails to erupt correctly, it becomes impacted, meaning it remains trapped beneath the gums or bone.

At Relaxation Dental, we specialize in impacted canine treatment to help guide these important teeth into their correct position, preventing long-term dental complications.

What Is an Impacted Canine?

An impacted canine is a tooth that:

• Fails to erupt fully through the gumline.
• Remains partially or fully trapped in the jawbone.
• Grows in the wrong direction, leading to crowding or misalignment.

Impacted canines occur most often in the upper jaw and are the second most commonly impacted teeth after wisdom teeth.

Causes of Impacted Canines

Canine impaction can be caused by:

• Crowded or misaligned teeth blocking its path.
• Baby teeth that haven’t fallen out in time.
• Unusual jaw structure or genetic factors affecting tooth eruption.
• Cysts or extra bone growth preventing eruption.

If left untreated, impacted canines can lead to bite problems, cyst formation, and damage to surrounding teeth.

Signs of an Impacted Canine

While some impacted canines cause no immediate symptoms, common signs include:

• A missing canine tooth in the dental arch.
• Swelling or tenderness in the upper gums.
• Prolonged baby tooth retention with no adult tooth eruption.
• Pain or discomfort around the affected area.
• Teeth shifting or crowding due to the misplaced canine.

If your child or teen is showing signs of impacted canines, early intervention is key to avoiding complex orthodontic issues later.

How Are Impacted Canines Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of impaction and the patient’s age. At Relaxation Dental, we offer:

1. Orthodontic Guidance (For Mild Cases)

• Used for partially impacted canines or those predicted to become impacted.
• Braces or Invisalign® create space for the canines to emerge naturally.

2. Canine Exposure & Orthodontic Traction

• A minor surgical procedure exposes the impacted canine.
• A small orthodontic bracket and chain are placed to gently guide the tooth into position.

3. Tooth Extraction & Replacement (For Severe Cases)

• If the impacted canine cannot be repositioned, extraction may be necessary.
• Replacement options include dental implants or bridges to restore function and aesthetics.

Early detection is key—children should have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7 to identify potential impactions before they become problematic.

What to Expect During Impacted Canine Treatment

Step 1: Diagnosis & X-Rays

• We take digital X-rays or 3D imaging to assess the position of the impacted tooth.
• We develop a personalized treatment plan based on the severity of impaction.

Step 2: Creating Space (If Needed)

• Braces or expanders may be used to make room for the canine before surgical exposure.

Step 3: Surgical Exposure & Bonding (For Severe Impactions)

• A small incision is made to expose the tooth.
• A bracket and traction device help guide the tooth into place over time.

Step 4: Monitoring & Orthodontic Adjustments

• Over the next few months, the canine is gently pulled into alignment.
• Regular checkups ensure the tooth is moving safely and effectively.

Recovery & Aftercare for Impacted Canine Treatment

Most patients recover quickly after surgical exposure or orthodontic treatment. To ensure a smooth healing process:

• Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
• Eat soft foods for the first few days.
• Maintain good oral hygiene, but avoid brushing directly over the surgical site.
• Attend regular orthodontic checkups to monitor tooth movement.

Once the canine is properly aligned, it will function normally just like the rest of your teeth!