When a permanent tooth becomes impacted, it stays under the gum line and does not erupt like it is supposed to. Wisdom teeth often become impacted, and this problem commonly happens to the canine teeth (also known as cuspids or eye teeth) as well. Because the canines are some of the most important teeth for a healthy bite, we offer a surgery that allows us to pull impacted canines down into your smile.

Often the canine teeth impact because they do not have enough space to erupt properly. This often necessitates the need for orthodontic treatment in order to make room for these teeth. If this space is opened before a patient turns 11 or 12 years old, then there is a good chance that the canine tooth may come down on its own. However, if the canine doesn’t erupt naturally or the patient is older, more action must be taken.

Our surgeon will treat an impacted canine by making incisions in the gum tissue so he can pull it up and expose the tooth. Dr. Daniel Cannon will then bond a bracket to this tooth and attach a chain to it. We will work with an orthodontist, who connects the chain to your braces with a rubber band. The chain attached to the impacted tooth will slowly pull it down until it rests in your smile, a process that may take year or so to complete. Afterwards, you will benefit from a stronger, healthier bite and a complete smile. Call Cannon Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery today if you want to learn more about how we treat impacted canines.