Impacted CaninesA common dental issue that patients experience is impacted canines. Impacted canines could be very painful to a patient experiencing this issue. A tooth is considered impacted when it fails to exit through the area of the gums that teeth normally emerge from and commonly occurs with the canine teeth. Instead, the tooth may emerge from the top part of the gums above the rest of the teeth, where they are pretty much useless. Patients with impacted canines may find it difficult to eat and chew. Our team at Dr. Jeffrey Kashner Orthodontics is dedicated to solving any dental issues our patients might have, including impacted canines. Our orthodontists will work with each patient to create a customized treatment plan that will leave your smile looking exactly as you want it. If you or a family member has impacted canines, then continue reading to find out more information and what treatment options are available. What Causes Impacted Canines?Impacted canines are passed down and occur through the genetics of families. Usually, it is the top canines that are affected, but the bottom canines can be affected as well, although it is much rarer. The canines may not emerge at all, but when they do, they can emerge from the palate side of the arch or in the area above the rest of the teeth. Another cause of impacted canines is overcrowded teeth. If the teeth are too crowded, the canines will not have any room to emerge and will be rendered useless. In some cases, extra teeth can also result in impacted canines as the extra tooth will have nowhere to go. Impacted canines can not only result in pain but also in the shifting of teeth and can cause your teeth to become misaligned. Why Are Impacted Canines a Problem?One issue that can arise from impacted canines is that one day the impacted teeth are likely to fall out. When this occurs, a gap or hole is left in the palate or gumline which can lead to bacterial build-ups and cause infections. Another issue caused by impacted canines is that the roots of the impacted teeth may start to resorb. When the roots resorb, adjacent teeth can be affected negatively, which can cause them to begin to rot or even fall out. As the impacted canines search for a route to emerge from, other teeth can be displaced. Teeth are always competing for space, and impacted canines can cause unusual teeth displacement that will need to be treated before more problems arise. Cysts can also form around the crowns of impacted teeth. Cysts will cause pain, discomfort and can even displace other teeth. What Treatment Options Are Available for Impacted Canines?Impacted canines are usually treated in two ways. If it is an extra tooth, you may require surgery to remove the tooth before it can cause further damage. In all other cases, braces are the typical treatment plan. Because impacted canines normally result from overcrowding, braces are needed to move the rest of the teeth into a position that does not cause overcrowding. A bracket will often be attached to the impacted canine so the archwire of the braces can attach to it and pull it into the correct position. The amount of time this will require varies with each patient and the location of their teeth. ConclusionImpacted canine teeth can cause several problems in the mouth and should be treated sooner rather than later. If you or your child has impacted canine teeth, call Dr. Jeffrey Kashner Orthodontics at 253-630-3331 to set up an appointment and see what treatment options are best for you. Our team will work with you to make your mouth healthy and functional. |
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