An impacted canine is a tooth that is prevented from growing into its normal position due to other teeth, the jawbone, or simply failing to pierce through the gums. Impacted canine teeth (“eye tooth”) are the second most common impacted teeth in the jaw and play an important role in your “bite”. When this occurs, it’s necessary to consult your orthodontist who will be able to create space for the impacted canine tooth.
Once sufficient space is created by your orthodontist, Dr. Hamrah will be able to surgically expose the tooth and attach a bracket to the canine to facilitate its eruption. It will be necessary to follow up with your orthodontist after your surgical procedure. Your orthodontist will begin the process of moving the tooth into its proper place in the dental arch. This concept can be applied to any unerupted (“stuck”) tooth.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a panorex screening x-ray along with a dental examination be performed on all dental patients at around the age of 7 years to count the teeth and determine if there are problems with eruption of the adult teeth.
The key to success is early detection and intervention of potential problems in the eruption sequence of your teeth.
For more information, see Impacted Canine Questions.
If you live in the Washington, D.C. or northern Virginia areas and believe you are a candidate for, or would like to learn more about, impacted canines, please contact Dr. Hamrah today to schedule your personal consultation.