Half Moon Oral Maxillofacial and Implant Surgery Half Moon Oral Maxillofacial and Implant Surgery

Dental Implants and Exposure & Bonding in Fayetteville

Understanding Orthodontic Impacted Canine Surgery

Canine teeth may become impacted, meaning they can’t erupt from the gums. These teeth are located between the incisors (front teeth) and the premolars, and they are important not just for the aesthetics of your smile, but for the functionality of your mouth, too, as they enable you to speak more clearly and tear food. You may realize your child has impacted canines if their baby teeth are overcrowded, but it may not be obvious. That’s why it’s important for you to take your child to see a dentist regularly as they lose their baby teeth and gain permanent teeth.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Exposure & Bonding Procedure

As board-certified oral-maxillofacial surgeons (OMS), our team at Half Moon Oral Maxillofacial and Implant Surgery has the goal of bringing the impacted tooth or teeth down into their proper position so that it is aligned with the rest of the teeth. Treatment of impacted canine teeth is usually a team effort between a patient’s OMS and their orthodontist. Surgery by an OMS is performed under outpatient anesthesia and it begins with making an incision through the gum to expose the crown of the canine and apply a special orthodontic exposure bracket to the impacted tooth connected to the braces wire by a small gold chain that slowly guides the impacted tooth into the open space.

Recognizing the Need for Orthodontic Impacted Canine Surgery

Impacted canine surgery, also known as canine exposure or orthodontic surgery, may be necessary when one or both of the canine teeth (the pointed teeth near the front of the mouth) fail to erupt properly. Here are signs that you may need this type of surgery:

  • Delayed Eruption: If your canine teeth have not erupted by the age of 13-14, it may be an indication of impaction. Normally, these teeth should erupt by this age.
  • Pain or Discomfort: Impacted canines can cause pain or discomfort, especially when they attempt to push through the gum tissue. You may experience soreness, tenderness, or aching in the affected area.
  • Overcrowding: Impacted canines can disrupt the alignment of your other teeth, leading to crowding or misalignment. If your orthodontist notices crowding, they may recommend an evaluation for impacted canines.
  • Visible Canine Bulge: Sometimes, you can see a bulge or swelling in the gum tissue where the impacted canine is located. This may be a sign that the tooth is attempting to erupt but is blocked.
  • Difficulty Chewing or Biting: Impacted canines can make it challenging to bite or chew properly. You may notice changes in your bite or difficulty eating certain foods.
  • Gum Infections: The gum tissue covering an impacted canine can become inflamed or infected, leading to symptoms such as redness, swelling, tenderness, or pus around the area.
  • Orthodontic Assessment: If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment and your orthodontist suspects that your canines are impacted or not coming in properly, they may recommend a surgical evaluation.
  • X-ray Findings: Dental X-rays are essential for identifying impacted canines and their position within the jaw. If X-rays reveal that the canines are impacted, surgical intervention may be recommended.

Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention can help prevent complications, maintain proper dental alignment, and alleviate discomfort or pain associated with impacted canines.

Post-Surgery Expectations for Impacted Canine Surgery

After impacted canine surgery, patients can expect some swelling, discomfort, and mild bruising in the affected area. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage discomfort, and a soft diet may be recommended initially. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing progress and remove any sutures. It's essential to follow post-operative instructions provided by our Fayetteville surgeon carefully, including maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding strenuous activities to ensure a smooth recovery.

Schedule Your Consultation for Impacted Canine Surgery Today

Are you interested in learning more about exposure and bonding in Fayetteville for impacted canine teeth? We can help you achieve your oral health goals and get the smile you want that is more aesthetically pleasing, too. We accept orthodontist and self-referrals.

To contact our office for an impacted canine surgery consultation, please reach out online or call (479) 364-6889 today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Impacted Canines

What are Impacted Canines?

Impacted canines happen when the adult canines are somehow blocked from descending at about the ages of nine to 13 years old.

Can All Impacted Canines Be Treated with Exposure and Bonding?

In the vast majority of cases, yes. This type of orthodontic surgery has an extremely low failure and complication rate. It’s a pretty simple, straightforward process.

However, if you are looking into this surgery as an adult, you may not be a good candidate if there are other issues with your canines. Long-term impaction can have negative effects on teeth, and this can make your canines unusable or unextractable. If this is the case for you, you will probably benefit from another type of tooth surgery, which we can review with your during your initial appointment with us.

How Long Does It Take For Impacted Canines to Descend?

After surgery, the typical time for canines to descend is 6 - 12 months. Some people may notice even faster results. It’s important to have patience and trust the process, but if you have any concerns with the surgery, be sure to give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.

Dental Bonding Frequently Asked Questions

How long does tooth bonding last?

The lifespan of tooth bonding can vary depending on several factors such as oral hygiene habits and diet. On average, tooth bonding can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years with proper care. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help prolong the longevity of the bonding.

Can tooth bonding fix gaps between teeth?

Yes, tooth bonding can be used to close small gaps or spaces between teeth, improving overall dental aesthetics. Your dentist can assess your situation and determine if tooth bonding is suitable for closing the gaps in your smile.