Impacted Canines Some people are born with genetically inherited conditions that cause their teeth to be impacted. An impacted tooth means that it is stuck and cannot move into its correct position in order to function correctly. Frequently, patients develop this issue with canine teeth, but here at Roncone Orthodontics, we can help.Why Treat an Impacted Canine?It is vital to treat an impacted canine, and not only because it will improve the overall appearance of your teeth. Correcting this issue is important to avoid improper eruption of teeth close to the impacted canine, formation of cysts, possible infections, or negative changes to the jaw. Correcting Impacted CaninesWhen beginning to correct your impacted canine, we will first examine your teeth and radiographs to figure out the position of the impacted tooth and the condition of your gums. We examine this closely because the method we choose of exposing the tooth surgically depends on the location of the tooth in the mouth. One way of correcting an impacted canine is to surgically expose the tooth. This allows your tooth to be guided to the correct position in the jaw, and allows it to move into place alongside the teeth around it. For this treatment to work properly, it may be necessary to have space made in the jaw by surrounding teeth. Positioning of Impacted Canine Near the PalateIf the impacted tooth is positioned closer to the palate, there are two options for exposing the tooth. For the first option, we may choose to expose the tooth in order for it to erupt autonomously, meaning that it finds its positioning between surrounding teeth on its own. After the completion of the surgery, we may use a protective dressing on the site while the area heals. Once the canine emerges to the level of the teeth adjacent to it, we can start to align it correctly with braces, fixing any crookedness or misalignment with the surrounding teeth. Another option we may choose is to expose the tooth and then attach a bracket to it, either directly following the surgical exposure or shortly afterwards. This bracket is meant to guide the tooth to the height of the adjacent teeth, making sure to align it correctly with these surrounding teeth. Positioning of Impacted Canine Closer to Outer Upper JawIf the impacted canine is positioned closer to the outer upper jaw, we have three treatment options. They differ slightly from the treatments we may choose for impacted canines closer to the palate. The method we choose ultimately depends on the tooth's exact position in the mouth, and the condition of your gums. We may choose to expose the impacted tooth and then reposition your gums. This option leaves some of the crown of the tooth exposed. After the surgical exposure, we can then attach a bracket to the tooth meant to guide it into the correct position in between the teeth surrounding it. The second option we may choose is called a closed technique. In this method, after we expose the tooth, we attach a bracket to it. After the surgical exposure and attachment of the bracket, we can replace your gums back to their original placement. Following this treatment, the orthodontic wire will be visible through your gums while the tooth is guided to its correct place, and you may require minor recontouring of gums after the completion of the treatment. Finally, we may choose the option of creating a window through your gums to the surface of the tooth. After creating this window, we can attach a bracket to the tooth meant to guide it out of the gums. After this treatment is completed, we may place a gum graft at the neck of the tooth. This gum graft ensures that any missing gum tissue from the surgical exposure is replaced. Surgically exposing and then aligning impacted canines is important to overall dental and physical health. It can prevent further damage to your teeth, gums, jaw, and mouth, and also results in a healthier, more beautiful smile. If you have any concerns or questions about the methods Roncone Orthodontics uses to correct this issue, please call our office at (951) 595-8291, and we will be sure to answer any questions you may have. |
Contact Information32140 Temecula Pkwy., Suite 201 Temecula, CA 92592 (951) 595-8291 info@ronconeortho.com |
