In order for teeth to function properly, they all need to develop in proper alignment. Impacted canines may cause misalignment in the teeth. When this happens, a person’s canines (also called cuspids) fail to break through the gum line to take their permanent position with the rest of the upper, front teeth.

If this happens, a doctor needs to perform a procedure in order to help them erupt. This is an excellent moment to go over some details about impacted canines and how our doctors in Somerset County and Hunterdon County can help with this problem.

Causes of Impacted Canines

A person’s canines typically come in around the age of 13. When they come in as they are supposed to, they tighten the gap between the rest of the upper front teeth, creating better alignment. However, this does not always occur naturally, and as a result, the canines sometimes fail to break through as they should. This could happen for a number of reasons. Regardless of the reason, our doctors can help people in Somerset County and Hunterdon County resolve their issues with impacted canines and reclaim their beautiful smiles.

While there is a multitude of reasons a person could experience impacted canines, the most common ones include, but are not limited to:

  • Overcrowding of the front teeth – If a person’s front teeth are in poor alignment, they may be overcrowded and competing for space. This could result in a lack of room for the canines to come in properly, which could cause long-term growth problems.
  • The presence of extra teeth – If a person has an overabundance of extra teeth, this could restrict canines from developing as they are supposed to. The canines may be blocked by extra teeth, making it impossible for them to erupt in a natural manner.
  • Though it is rare, an unusual growth can develop on the gums, which can prevent the proper eruption of canine teeth. If this occurs, impaction is most likely to follow afterwards.
  • Though it is not as common, if there are problems in the amount and alignment of teeth at the outset, this could also cause the canines not to erupt correctly. If a mismatch is noticed in the shape and size of teeth, a person is more likely to have issues with their canine teeth.
  • The early loss of baby teeth can also cause canines not to erupt correctly. If this occurs, special attention should be paid to it early on.
  • Impacted canines can also be passed along from parent to child in the form of genetic inheritance.

Regardless of the many number of reasons that a person could have issues with their canine teeth, our doctors in Somerset County and Hunterdon County can perform an examination to determine the best course of action.

 

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Treatment Options

When impacted canines are present, a visit to our doctors can help the surrounding teeth stay aligned and solve the problem from a medical standpoint. The missing canines may also affect a person’s appearance, which could easily impact their self-esteem. Fortunately, our Somerset County and Hunterdon County doctors are highly experienced and can help solve the problem.

Dental surgery involves exposing the crown of the impacted tooth and allowing it to grow into the correct space. Depending on the situation, the surrounding teeth may also need to be extracted to make room. A patient may also need to be fitted with braces to help align the teeth once the impacted canine is exposed. This procedure helps prevent future problems and drastically improves the appearance of a patient’s smile, thus allowing them to feel better about themselves in their day to day life.

If the impacted canine is in a position that makes it too difficult to realign, it may need to be extracted. This is also required if the canine is causing problems with adjacent teeth, as this escalates the seriousness of the situation considerably. If there’s a noticeable space left by the extraction, our doctors are able to fill the gap with a bridge. The other option is to have the canine extracted and transplant it in the right position. After the procedure is completed, a brace is applied, which will allow the canine to set in properly. The patient is usually required to have the brace for two or three weeks, at a minimum.

A Quick Solution for Impacted Canines

No two impacted canine cases are alike, and each one needs to be individually evaluated before a plan of action can be determined. Our doctors are highly experienced in this area and can examine an impacted canine to determine the best individual treatment plan. Call us with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

The Somerset Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Group has been providing compassionate care to generations of Somerset County and Hunterdon County patients.

As always, your doctor is available at the office and can be contacted after hours if any problems should arise after surgery. Simply call Somerset Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Group at any of their locations in the Somerset County and Hunterdon County area for an appointment.

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