Everything You Need To Know About Impacted Canines
Impacted wisdom teeth are a common phenomenon, but did you know that canines can get impacted, too? This happens when there isn’t space in the jaw to accommodate them.
Unfortunately, impacted canines can be a significant oral health issue requiring intervention. If these teeth don’t erupt properly additional problems may occur.
What Are Impacted Canines?
Impacted canines are canine teeth that fail to erupt in the proper position in the dental arch, usually due to crowding. Often, there isn’t enough space for these teeth to emerge, so they erupt at the wrong angle or in the wrong place.
Impacted canines are most common in families with histories of dental abnormalities. Often, they pass from one generation to the next.
Causes Of Impacted Canines
Genetics are the primary cause of impacted canines. Many people have genes that make them more prone to impacted teeth in general, often because of smaller jaw sizes.
The environment can also play a role. Modern diets and lifestyles as a child can increase the risk of canine impaction if the jaw fails to grow to a sufficient size.
Developmental issues sometimes interact with these tendencies. These happen when the dental arch doesn’t develop fully. Smaller jaws are less able to accommodate growing dentition, making impaction more likely.
How To Tell If You Have Canine Impaction
Improper canine eruption is usually obvious: you can see that the canine teeth aren’t in the right position.
However, impaction is when the tooth can’t function properly because it is being impeded by other teeth. When this occurs, you may experience additional symptoms, like difficulty chewing and pain or swelling around the affected tooth.
Ideally, you should come to our clinic for a full canine impaction diagnosis. Dentists examine your teeth and look for issues, using X-ray or CT scans for further refinement. These show the shape of the tooth under the gum and how it is interacting with the surrounding roots.
How To Treat Impacted Canines
Impacted canines can have adverse effects on oral health. For example, they can damage nearby teeth and lead to cyst formation if they become infected. It can be more challenging to maintain canine health if there are areas around them that are hard to brush. Eventually, gum disease can develop, leading to further root and jawbone risks.
Fortunately, treating impacted canines is straightforward with modern techniques. Mostly, treatment involves a “wait-and-see” approach. Even if canines erupt at the wrong angle, they may not cause harm.
If they do lead to repeated infections, then extraction is possible. Removing canines reduces risks of further harm to oral health.
If you think you might have an impacted canine, early intervention is critical. Acting quickly can reduce the risk of complications and help you get the smile you want.
Are you concerned about a possible impacted canine? Speak to our team today to learn more about your treatment options.
Best Oral Surgeons in the Greater Seattle Area
Contact one of our offices today!