When a tooth is stuck in the mouth and cannot successfully emerge, it is considered to be impacted. This often occurs with wisdom teeth but can occur to the canine teeth just as easily. Canines are the last of the front teeth to erupt into place and usually start to emerge around the age of 13. When a canine tooth becomes impacted, a procedure called expose and bond is done to expose the impacted tooth and reposition it correctly in the dental arch. This procedure is safe, effective, and involves frequent communication between Dr. Curtis and your orthodontist.
Dr. Curtis has years of experience in assessing and treating impacted teeth, including many years of practicing oral surgery while serving in the United States Army. If your dentist has referred you or your child for the treatment of impacted canines, we invite you to call our office and schedule a consultation with our oral surgeon. During your consultation, Dr. Curtis will discuss anesthesia options and select the right choice for you or your child so that you can be treated comfortably.
All of your teeth need to develop in healthy alignment for excellent performance and appearance. When a tooth is impacted, it can affect its function and the appearance of your smile. There are a number of causes for canine impaction. It often occurs as a result of one or more of the following:
If you are visiting our practice regarding an impacted canine, you can rest assured that you and your loved ones are in excellent care. At Upstate Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we strive to make you feel welcome. Dr. Curtis and his staff are highly trained in all areas of oral and maxillofacial surgery and are here to help care for you and your family. In the rare event that the canine tooth is unable to be saved, Dr. Curtis is happy to discuss options of tooth replacement with you, such as dental implants, to ensure you have the smile and confidence that you deserve.
Every patient is different and everyone’s mouth and teeth require individualized care. For the majority of expose and bond procedures, your oral surgeon and your orthodontist will work together to help these unerupted canine teeth emerge in the mouth. Typically, your orthodontist will place braces on the teeth in an effort to make space for the canine to move into. Once the space is ready, your oral surgeon will expose and bracket the tooth.
This is a simple surgical procedure that is performed in our office located in Watertown, NY. Dr. Curtis will administer the chosen method of anesthesia and lift the gum on top of the impacted tooth, exposing the canine underneath. A gold bracket and chain will be attached to the buried tooth. This is what your orthodontist will use to help move the tooth into the correct position. Dr. Curtis will stitch the surgical site closed, leaving only the chain visible as it hangs through a small hole in the gum and is still attached to the canine with cement.
You can expect to visit your orthodontist within 2 weeks after your surgery. From here, the process will begin to move the tooth into its proper location using a rubber band. Some discomfort is expected during this process, but your team of dental professionals will talk to you about simple pain relief medications and other at-home methods for reducing pain. The length of this process varies, and our team works closely with you at all times to ensure you experience minimal discomfort and are informed about the process.
Utilizing expose and bond procedures for impacted canines are highly effective and aids in the overall health of your mouth and smile. Dr. Curtis is here to care for you and ensure that you are being given outstanding care. Please contact our office today to request a consultation with our highly trained and experienced oral surgeon and his staff to assess and treat your impacted canines.
