Impacted teeth are teeth that cannot fully emerge from beneath the gums, either because they are trapped and developing incorrectly or because their path is blocked by some type of growth. Your canine teeth are some of the most likely teeth to become impacted, aside from wisdom teeth. Whereas wisdom teeth can simply be removed, however, canine teeth are crucial to the alignment of your other teeth, the development of your bite, and your ability to tear up and chew certain foods. For these reasons, it’s important to have impacted canines treated to preserve your oral health. Dr. Heiner offers treatment for impacted canines at all two of our offices in Las Cruces and Roswell, NM.
Causes of Impacted Canines
Canine teeth usually begin developing around age 10–12, working to reach full maturity and join your permanent set of adult teeth. Some of the common causes of impacted canines include
- Baby teeth that do not come out in time
- The presence of extra teeth
- Dental crowding surrounding your maturing canine teeth
- Unexpected growths blocking the path for your canines to emerge from your gums
Treatment of Impacted Canine Teeth
In some cases, orthodontists can perform nonsurgical treatments to help patients’ impacted canines emerge. However, in more severe impaction cases, it’s likely that Dr. Heiner will be asked to assist with treatment. Dr. Heiner can partner with your orthodontist to either remove any obstructing teeth or growths that are not allowing your canine teeth to break through or to help expose your canines so your orthodontist can gently pull them into the proper position.
If the canine teeth are impacted beneath the gums, Dr. Heiner can perform exposure and bonding treatment in conjunction with your orthodontist. First, your orthodontist will apply braces and allow time for your teeth to shift into the proper position and make room for your canine teeth to emerge. When the time is right, Dr. Heiner will go in and carefully expose your teeth in the gums, removing any growth, blockage, or tissue that is preventing them from emerging. He will then attach (or bond) a bracket and chain to the canine tooth, which your orthodontist will use to slowly pull the tooth into its place.
If your canine teeth roots have fully developed and their impaction is not treatable with exposure and bonding treatment, Dr. Heiner can perform an extraction. Once the teeth have been removed, you can replace them with dental implants (hyperlink). Dental implants are the best way to replace extracted teeth to preserve your smile and overall health. When you visit one of our offices in Las Cruces or Roswell, NM, Dr. Heiner can discuss all of your options for impacted canine treatment.
Treatment of Impacted Canines at Oral & Facial Surgery of New Mexico
If you or your child suffers from impacted canines, Dr. Heiner offers treatment at all three of our office locations. He has undergone years of extensive training and is qualified to treat patients of all ages with a wide range of oral and facial conditions. Learn more about impacted canine treatment by contact our office or scheduling an appointment.
