Oral Surgery

Impacted Canine Tooth Treatment in Mesquite, TX

An impacted tooth is one that fails to break through the gum line. While wisdom teeth are the most commonly impacted teeth and are usually extracted, the second most common tooth to experience this issue is the upper canine, also known as the maxillary cuspid. These teeth play a vital role in establishing a proper bite, being the foremost teeth to connect when the jaws are closed, thereby guiding the placement of other teeth.

Typically, the eruption of maxillary cuspid teeth happens around age 13, filling in any remaining spaces among the upper front teeth. In cases where a cuspid tooth is impacted, significant measures are undertaken to enable it to emerge into its intended position. Our oral surgery team in Mesquite uses this approach with any impacted tooth in the mouth and is crucial for the maxillary cuspid teeth.

Early recognition of impacted canines is the key to successful treatment

The probability of an impacted canine tooth erupting by itself declines as a patient gets older, even if there is adequate room for it in the mouth. By the age of 7, the American Association of Orthodontists advises undergoing a panoramic screening X-ray and dental assessment to identify any issues with tooth eruption.

The treatment approach may include orthodontic actions to make room for the teeth to emerge properly. In some cases, this may involve the intervention of an oral surgeon to remove obstructing teeth, allowing the critical canine teeth to come in. We let each patient’s specific situation and age guide the determination of the most appropriate impacted canine tooth treatment option in our Mesquite office.

What happens if the canine will not erupt when proper space is available?

When canine teeth remain unerupted, orthodontists and oral surgeons collaborate to encourage their emergence. The specific treatment plan is customized, often involving the surgeon exposing the tooth and affixing an orthodontic bracket after the orthodontist has prepared the space with braces.

This procedure, conducted in our oral surgery office in Mesquite, involves revealing the tooth and attaching a bracket equipped with a small chain. This chain is subsequently attached to the braces’ wire. The site is typically stitched closed, leaving just the chain visible through a small puncture in the gum.

Following the procedure (usually within two weeks), the patient revisits the orthodontist to attach a rubber band to the chain. This setup exerts a mild force to guide the impacted tooth to its correct position.

What to expect from surgery to expose and bracket an impacted tooth:

Performed under IV sedation, this procedure is designed to be minimally invasive. Patients may experience slight bleeding and swelling post-operation, with a recommendation to adopt a soft diet initially, returning to their normal diet as they feel ready. Our follow-up visits in Mesquite for impacted canine tooth surgery are arranged with both the oral surgeon and the orthodontist to monitor healing and the progress of the tooth’s movement.

For expert impacted canine tooth surgery in Mesquite, schedule your appointment with DFW Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Our oral surgeons are dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality care to address each patient’s unique needs.