An impacted tooth is a tooth that is being prevented from coming through the gums. It can be due to genetics or caused by an orthodontic procedure. Sometimes impacted teeth show no noticeable symptoms and are only found during an x-ray.

Other times impacted teeth may cause red or swollen gums, pain when chewing, swallowing, or opening mouth, or even bad breath. Wisdom teeth are by far the most likely to be impacted, but a sizeable portion of the population also has impacted canines also called cuspids or upper eye teeth. What follows are some ways that an impacted canine can be managed properly.

One way to deal with an impacted canine is to remove it. Especially if the tooth may be damaging to other teeth, the gums, or the bone. Also, if you are experiencing pain or discomfort, it may be recommended to remove the tooth outright. Tooth extraction is not a complicated procedure and can be done in about an hour with a local anesthetic. The patient will not have to spend the night and will be able to go back to work within a few days. Overall recovery time is about a week to ten days. Once the tooth is extracted implants can be discussed to replace it.

These methods are usually more efficient in younger people as their mouth is still growing. An eruption aid can be brackets, braces, or the removal of other teeth to make way for the impacted canines. The idea is to guide the tooth into its proper place rather than to remove the tooth. If the tooth cannot be successfully maneuvered into the correct orientation, then it will have to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant.

Caring for your teeth is essential to avoid any complications. Common difficulties with impacted teeth that go uncared for are gum disease, decay, cavities, cysts, infection, or crowding of nearby teeth. If you fear your teeth may be impacted or have any questions, please contact us today and schedule your consultation. We would love to discuss the best options for you on how to manage an impacted canine.