An impacted tooth is one that is blocked from erupting naturally into the dental arch. This is commonly associated with wisdom teeth, but it can also affect vital teeth such as the upper canines (or cuspids). These teeth are essential due to their role in guiding the bite and their deep-rooted, strong structure.
Overview
What are Impacted Canines?
An impacted tooth is one that is "stuck" and cannot erupt into function. The upper eyetooth (maxillary cuspid) is the second most common tooth to become impacted, after wisdom teeth.
Why canines matter
- They are critical to the dental arch and play an important role in the bite — they are the first teeth to touch when jaws close, guiding the rest of the teeth into proper alignment.
- They have the longest roots of any human teeth and are among the strongest biting teeth.
- They normally erupt around age 13 and help close any remaining gaps between the upper front teeth
What success looks like
- The goal is to fully erupt the impacted tooth, not extract it, and move it into its proper place in the dental arch.
- Once in its final position, the gum tissue is evaluated to ensure it is healthy enough for a lifetime of chewing and brushing.
- In cases where the tooth had to travel a long distance, minor gum surgery may be needed to add bulk to the tissue over the relocated tooth to keep it healthy during normal function.
- Early intervention in younger patients can mean the tooth erupts enough on its own that the orthodontist can bond a bracket directly to it without surgical exposure, saving time and reducing time spent in braces
From prep to recovery, you’re in good hands.
What to expect during treatment
Treatment typically involves collaboration between an orthodontist and an oral surgeon:
- The orthodontist places braces to open space in the arch for the impacted tooth.
- The oral surgeon then performs a procedure to expose the hidden tooth by lifting the gum tissue, removes any baby tooth still present, and bonds an orthodontic bracket with a small gold chain to the impacted tooth.
- Shortly after surgery (1–14 days), the patient returns to the orthodontist, where a rubber band is attached to the chain to apply a light, controlled pulling force to guide the tooth into position. This process can take up to a full year.
About the surgery itself:
- It is performed in the oral surgeon's office, typically with laughing gas and Local Anesthesia. IV Sedation is available but generally not necessary.
- The procedure takes approximately 75 minutes for one tooth, or 105 minutes if both sides need treatment.
Recovery:
- There is limited bleeding and some discomfort, but most patients find Tylenol or Advil sufficient for pain management. Within 2–3 days, most patients need little to no medication.
- A soft, bland diet is recommended initially, avoiding sharp foods like crackers and chips that could irritate the surgical site.
Your questions, answered.
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Central New Jersey is here to address all your questions and concerns regarding Impacted Canines.
How do I know if my child has an Impacted Canine?
Your general dentist or hygienist will typically catch this during a routine exam. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a Panoramic X-Ray and dental exam at age 7 to identify any eruption problems early. If a concern is found, you'll be referred to an orthodontist or oral surgeon for further evaluation.
Does my child have to have the tooth pulled if it's impacted?
In most cases, no. Every effort is made to guide the impacted tooth into its proper position in the dental arch rather than extract it, which is exactly why catching it early makes such a difference.
Is the treatment painful?
The surgery is performed with laughing gas and Local Anesthesia, and most patients find Tylenol or Advil more than adequate for any post-op discomfort, with little need for medication at all within two to three days.
How long does the treatment process take?
It varies, but patience is key. After surgery, the orthodontist attaches a rubber band to the chain on the tooth to apply a light pulling force, a carefully controlled, slow process that may take up to a full year to complete. Total treatment time also depends on how much orthodontic work is needed before and after the procedure.
Ready to take the next step?
Our team is here to answer your questions, walk you through your options, and help you feel confident about your care. Scheduling is simple, and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
