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Desert Oral Surgery

Impacted Canines

Treatment for Impacted Canines

Understanding Impacted Teeth

After the wisdom teeth, the upper canine teeth are the most common teeth to become impacted. Normally, the canine teeth erupt into the mouth after the front teeth and before the premolars.

When a canine tooth does not erupt properly, it may become impacted beneath the gum tissue or bone. An impacted canine may affect surrounding teeth, alignment, and overall oral health if left untreated.

A cutaway model of the jaw showing an impacted tooth still buried in bone beside its erupted neighbours

Why It Happens

Why Canines Become Impacted

There are several reasons why a canine tooth may become impacted, including:

  • Lack of space in the dental arch
  • Abnormal tooth development
  • The position of the tooth beneath the gum or bone
  • Obstructions that prevent normal eruption

Early evaluation can help determine the best treatment approach and whether surgical intervention may be needed.

Evaluation

Evaluation and Treatment Planning

The first step in treating an impacted canine is a thorough evaluation. Your oral surgeon will review your dental history, examine the area, and use imaging to determine the location and position of the tooth.

Treatment often involves coordination between the oral surgeon and orthodontist to help guide the tooth into its proper position.

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Surgical care at Desert Oral Surgery

What to Expect

Surgical Exposure and Guided Eruption

  1. Imaging and Positioning

    Imaging shows where the canine sits beneath the gum tissue or bone and how it relates to the teeth around it, which determines the surgical approach.

  2. Surgical Exposure

    In many cases, treatment involves a procedure called surgical exposure. The gum tissue covering the impacted tooth is gently opened to allow access to the tooth.

  3. Orthodontic Attachment

    A small attachment may be placed on the tooth so that an orthodontist can gradually guide it into the correct position.

  4. Healing and Follow-Up

    After impacted canine surgery, patients receive detailed instructions to support healing and recovery, with guidance from our team throughout the healing process.

The procedure is typically performed using anesthesia options designed to help keep patients comfortable throughout treatment.

Working Together with Your Orthodontist

Successful treatment of impacted canines often requires collaboration between your orthodontist and oral surgeon.

The oral surgeon helps expose and prepare the tooth, while the orthodontist works to move the tooth into the correct position using orthodontic treatment.

This coordinated approach helps create a healthy, functional bite.

A Desert Oral Surgery surgeon and assistant operating, with the patient's imaging on the monitors behind them

Locations

Serving Palm Desert and Palm Springs

Desert Oral Surgery provides oral surgery evaluations and treatment for patients throughout the Coachella Valley.

Related Services

Related Oral Surgery Services

Get Started

Schedule an Impacted Canine Consultation

If you or your child has an impacted tooth, Desert Oral Surgery can evaluate the condition and discuss available treatment options.

Request an Appointment Call 760-346-7431