Impacted Canines

A canine tooth can become impacted when it does not move into the mouth as expected.

The upper canines are especially important because they help support the bite and guide how the teeth come together. When one remains trapped in the jaw or develops in an unusual position, treatment may be needed to help bring it into the dental arch rather than remove it.

Why Canines Become Impacted

An upper canine may remain stuck because there is not enough room for it to erupt or because another tooth or structure is blocking its path.

The tooth may be positioned toward the roof of the mouth, toward the outer side of the jaw, or higher in the bone than expected.

Because canines have an important role in both function and alignment, the goal is often to preserve the tooth and guide it into position when that can be done successfully.

Early Evaluation Can Make Treatment Easier

Impacted canines are easier to manage when eruption problems are identified early.

Dental imaging can show whether the permanent canine is present, how it is positioned, whether enough space exists for it, and whether something is preventing it from erupting.

In some patients, creating space or removing an obstruction may be enough to allow the tooth to continue erupting naturally. In others, orthodontic and surgical treatment may be needed.

When the Tooth Needs Surgical Help

If the canine does not erupt after enough space has been created, the orthodontist and oral surgeon can work together to guide it into place.

The orthodontist first prepares the space where the canine should eventually sit. The oral surgeon then exposes the impacted tooth and attaches a small orthodontic bracket and chain.

That attachment gives the orthodontist a way to apply light, controlled pressure over time and gradually move the tooth into the dental arch.

What Happens During Exposure and Bracketing?

The surgeon carefully opens the gum tissue to reach the impacted canine.

If a retained baby tooth is interfering with treatment, it may be removed at the same appointment. Once the permanent canine is visible, an orthodontic attachment is bonded to the tooth.

The gum tissue is then managed according to the position of the canine. In some cases, most of the tooth is covered again while the chain remains accessible. In others, a portion of the tooth may be left exposed.

Moving the Canine Into Position

After the surgical site begins to heal, the orthodontist starts using the attached chain to guide the canine.

This movement happens gradually. The amount of time required depends on where the tooth started and how far it must travel before reaching its final position.

Once the canine reaches the dental arch, the surrounding gum tissue is evaluated to make sure the tooth has healthy support for long-term function.

Treating More Than One Impacted Tooth

Some patients have more than one impacted canine.

When both upper canines are affected, the orthodontist may prepare space on both sides and the oral surgeon may expose both teeth during the same visit.

Similar techniques can also be used for other impacted teeth, although larger teeth farther back in the mouth can be more difficult to move.

What to Expect After Surgery

Exposure and bracketing is typically completed as an outpatient procedure.

Local anesthesia is commonly used, and sedation may also be considered depending on the treatment plan and patient comfort needs.

Some soreness, mild bleeding, and swelling can occur during the first few days. Patients are usually advised to eat softer foods at first and avoid anything that could irritate the surgical area.

Follow-up care with both the surgeon and orthodontist helps make sure the site is healing properly and the tooth can begin moving as planned.

Coordinated Care From Start to Finish

Impacted canine treatment depends on close coordination between the orthodontist and oral surgeon.

The orthodontist creates and manages the space for the tooth, while the oral surgeon provides surgical access when needed.

The goal is to give the natural canine the best opportunity to move into a healthy, functional position while keeping the treatment process clear and well coordinated for the patient.