Addressing Impacted Canines With Expose and Bond
Canine teeth are essential for a healthy bite and proper alignment. They are the first to make contact when you bite down, helping to guide your other teeth into their correct positions. When these teeth become impacted, they fail to erupt properly, which can lead to issues such as difficulty eating, tooth decay, gum disease, and misalignment of surrounding teeth.
At Alpine Surgical Arts, Dr. Haghighi and Dr. Rowan are experts in managing impacted canine teeth through exposure and bonding. Their extensive experience ensures that you receive the best care possible. If you suspect you have an impacted canine tooth, don’t hesitate to contact our Boise or Meridian, ID, office for a comprehensive consultation.
What Is an Impacted Tooth?
An impacted tooth is one that remains trapped below the gum line instead of emerging normally. Canine teeth, located toward the front of your mouth, are commonly affected. They are the second most frequently impacted teeth after wisdom teeth.
Several factors can contribute to a tooth becoming impacted:
- Obstructions: A retained baby tooth or abnormal growth can block the eruption path of the permanent canine tooth.
- Dental Overcrowding: Limited space in the dental arch can prevent the proper alignment of teeth, leading to impaction.
- Insufficient Room: Sometimes the dental arch is too small or shaped in a way that doesn’t accommodate the eruption of the canine teeth.
If left untreated, impacted canine teeth can result in problems such as difficulty chewing, increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and misalignment of adjacent teeth.
Causes of Impacted Canine Teeth
When a canine tooth is impacted, it’s usually because it cannot properly emerge from the jawbone. Possible reasons include:
- Obstruction from Baby Teeth or Abnormal Growths: A baby tooth that doesn’t fall out or an abnormal growth can block the eruption path.
- Dental Overcrowding: Insufficient space in the dental arch can prevent the proper alignment and eruption of canine teeth.
- Limited Space in the Dental Arch: The size and shape of the dental arch might not accommodate the natural eruption of the canines.
Addressing impacted canine teeth early can significantly improve the chances of successful eruption and proper function. If the impaction isn’t treated in a timely manner, the tooth may fuse with the jawbone, making exposure and bonding no longer viable. In such cases, extraction and replacement with a dental implant might be necessary.
Your Anesthesia Options
Depending on your procedure, you will receive one of the following forms of anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
How an Expose and Bond Procedure Works
The exposure and bonding technique involves surgically revealing the impacted tooth. The procedure starts with an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth. A bracket with a chain is then attached to the exposed tooth and connected to braces. This setup allows an orthodontist to guide the tooth into its proper position within the dental arch over several months.
Successful treatment of impacted canine teeth relies on collaboration between oral surgeons and orthodontists. It’s essential to visit your orthodontist within two weeks of the exposure and bracketing to initiate the alignment process. This coordinated effort ensures the impacted tooth erupts correctly, functions well, and contributes to a balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
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Finding Better Smiles in Boise and Meridian, ID
When you come to Alpine Surgical Arts, you come to a practice that provides exceptional care by combining years of experience with compassion. Our offices in Boise and Meridian are ready to welcome you and guide you toward the smile you’ve been dreaming of. Contact our office to learn how oral surgery can help change your life while enhancing your oral health.