At Parkland Dental, your friendly general dentist in Sicamous, BC, we are committed to our patient’s dental health and longevity. We offer a range of oral surgery services to help our patients maintain healthy teeth and gums, including the treatment of impacted canines.
What Are Impacted Canines?
Impacted canines occur when the canine teeth, which are located in the upper and lower jaw, do not properly erupt or emerge from the gums. This can lead to a variety of dental problems, including crowding, misalignment, and even infection. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for impacted canines.
Causes of Impacted Canines
There are several reasons why canines may become impacted, including:
- Genetics: In some cases, impacted canines may be hereditary, meaning they run in families.
- Tooth overcrowding: When there is not enough space in the mouth for all of the teeth to erupt properly, the canines may become impacted.
- Baby teeth not falling out: When baby teeth do not fall out on their own, they can block the path for permanent teeth to emerge, including the canines.
Symptoms of Impacted Canines
Some common symptoms of impacted canines may include:
- Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
- Pain or discomfort when biting or chewing
- Crowding or misalignment of other teeth
- Visible or palpable bump on the gums where the canine tooth should be
- Infection or abscess in the affected area
Treatment Options for Impacted Canines
The treatment for impacted canines will depend on the severity of the condition and the age of the patient. In some cases, early intervention may be necessary to prevent further complications. Some treatment options include:
- Observation: In some cases, the dentist may recommend a wait-and-see approach to monitor the impacted canine and determine if it will eventually erupt on its own.
- Tooth extraction: If the impacted canine is causing crowding or other dental problems, the dentist may recommend extracting the baby tooth or other teeth to make room for the canine to emerge.
- Orthodontic treatment: In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to create space for the impacted canine or to guide it into the proper position.
- Exposure and Bonding: This involves a surgical procedure where the impacted tooth is exposed and a bracket is attached to the tooth. The orthodontist will then use a special technique to guide the tooth into the proper position over time.
- Surgical removal: In some cases, impacted canines may require surgical removal if they are causing severe dental problems or cannot be treated with other methods.
Preventing Impacted Canines
While some cases of impacted canines may be hereditary or unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of this dental condition, including:
- Maintaining good oral hygiene: Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly can help prevent dental problems that may contribute to impacted canines.
- Addressing dental issues early: Early intervention for dental problems, such as crowding or misalignment, can prevent further complications and reduce your risk of impacted canines.
- Wearing a mouthguard: If you play sports or engage in other activities that put your teeth at risk of injury, wearing a mouthguard can help protect your teeth and prevent dental problems that may contribute to impacted canines.
Why Choose Parkland Dental for Impacted Canines?
At Parkland Dental in Sicamous, BC, we understand that the thought of getting oral surgery can be intimidating. That’s why we are committed to providing a comfortable and supportive environment for our patients throughout.
If you have any questions about wisdom teeth extractions or would like to schedule a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of friendly, knowledgeable dental professionals is here to help you every step of the way.