When Teeth Don’t Emerge as They Should: Understanding Impacted Teeth
When a tooth becomes partially or fully trapped beneath the gums, it is called an impacted tooth. While it is possible for any tooth to become impacted, wisdom teeth and canine teeth (which both have very deep roots) tend to become impacted more often than other teeth.
Treatment for an impacted tooth depends on the location of the tooth and the reason it became impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth are treated through extraction because the wisdom teeth are not necessary for your overall mouth to function. Canine teeth (incisors), on the other hand, are crucial for tearing food and guiding the alignment of your bite. Because of their importance to the function of your mouth, treating impacted canines requires a different approach.
Advanced Diagnostic Evaluation
At Siouxland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we use advanced imaging technology to precisely locate impacted canines and evaluate their position. Each case is carefully assessed to determine the best approach for impacted canine surgery, taking into account factors such as tooth angulation, depth, and surrounding bone density. Our team prioritizes using a minimally invasive approach whenever possible, helping reduce discomfort and promote faster healing. We also take time to explain the procedure in detail so patients feel informed and confident before moving forward.
Exposure and Bonding Treatment for Impacted Canines
One of the most common methods of treatment for impacted canines is exposure and bonding treatment, which is a joint effort between your oral surgeon and an orthodontist. In most cases, your orthodontist will first clear the growth track of the impacted tooth using braces. Once there is adequate space for the canines to grow in, your oral surgeon can surgically expose the impacted teeth. Your surgeon will clear any growths or baby teeth that are blocking the growth track and attach a small bracket and chain to the newly exposed tooth. This entire procedure is performed under anesthesia so that no pain will be felt during surgery. Once the surgical site is ready for the next phase, your orthodontist will use your braces and the new chain to gently pull the impacted teeth into alignment.
Preventing and Treating Impacted Canines
Having regular dental exams throughout childhood is crucial for preventing impacted teeth. In many cases, if a tooth alignment issue is recognized early, your orthodontist can clear the growth path for the canines using braces and other orthodontics (eliminating the need for surgical intervention). In other cases, irregular growths and other unforeseen issues can require surgical treatment to correct the issue. If it is determined that the canines are impacted, seeking treatment as soon as possible is crucial. If canines are trapped behind the gums for too long, they can become permanently stuck in the bone beneath the gums, making it impossible to expose them and guide them into their natural alignment. In these cases, oral surgeons can use dental implants to replace the impacted teeth.
Causes of Impacted Teeth
Many factors can contribute to a tooth becoming impacted. Some of the most common reasons a tooth becomes trapped behind the gums include
- Unusual cysts or growths blocking the tooth’s growth track
- Overcrowded teeth not leaving enough space for a tooth to grow in normally
- Baby teeth that do not fall out in time for the adult teeth to grow in
What to Expect During Impacted Canine Tooth Removal
Depending on the complexity of the case, local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia may be recommended to ensure a pain-free experience. Our surgical team carefully accesses the impacted tooth, preserving as much surrounding bone and tissue as possible. In some cases, the tooth may be gently exposed and guided into position, while in others it may be fully removed if alignment is not feasible. Throughout the procedure, our focus remains on protecting adjacent teeth and maintaining overall oral structure. For patients who may need future restorative work, including dental implants, our planning ensures that bone integrity is preserved for long-term options.
Recovery, Aftercare, and Long-Term Oral Health
Recovery following impacted canine procedures is typically straightforward when post-operative instructions are followed closely. Patients may experience mild swelling or discomfort for a few days, which can be managed with prescribed medications and proper at-home care. Soft foods and limited physical activity are usually recommended during the initial healing phase.
Follow-up visits allow our team to monitor healing progress and coordinate with orthodontic specialists if tooth alignment is part of the long-term plan. Our goal is not only to resolve the immediate concern but also to support lasting oral health and stability. We are dedicated to helping patients regain comfort, function, and confidence in their smiles. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.
Impacted Tooth Exposure at Siouxland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Our oral surgeons are experts at treating cases of impacted teeth. We offer treatment for patients of all ages, and our surgeons are trained to administer anesthesia for both adult and pediatric cases. If you or your child is in need of treatment for impacted canines, contact one of our offices in Sioux Falls, SD, Mitchell, SD, Yankton, SD, or Brookings, SD, today for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an impacted canine?
An impacted canine is a tooth that fails to erupt properly into the dental arch and remains trapped in the jawbone or gums.
Is impacted canine surgery painful?
No, the procedure is performed under anesthesia or sedation to ensure patient comfort throughout the treatment.
How long does recovery take after impacted canine tooth removal?
Most patients recover within a few days to a week, with full healing continuing over several weeks depending on complexity.
Will I need orthodontic treatment after surgery?
In many cases, orthodontic care is recommended to guide teeth into proper alignment after surgery.
Can impacted canines be saved instead of removed?
In some situations, the tooth can be exposed and guided into place rather than removed, depending on its position.
When should impacted canines be treated?
They are typically treated once diagnosed, often during adolescence, but adults can also undergo successful treatment.