Located on either side of the incisors on the front of the mouth, canine teeth primarily serve the purpose of tearing through foods when eating. In the event they fail to develop properly, impaction can occur, which can be uncomfortable as well as damaging. In this case, the assistance of a skilled oral surgeon may be necessary, which is exactly what Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska offers patients in Anchorage. The following information will help you understand just what occurs when a canine tooth is impacted and what type of treatments are available.

What Is an Impacted Canine?

The canine teeth are typically the last to develop. They also have the longest roots, which means they must travel a lengthy path to finally break through the gum line. In some cases, they may fail to break through at all, which is considered an impaction. They may also develop in the wrong position, and this is known as an ectopic eruption. Because canines play such an important role, normal development is a must. Otherwise, corrective treatments are necessary.

A number of issues can occur when canines become impacted or ectopic. Because they are integral to chewing, other teeth may become prematurely worn as a result. Impaction can also cause aesthetic issues, as it will appear that teeth are missing when in fact they’re still placed within the jaw bone. In the event of ectopic development, the other teeth may be pushed into improper positions.  

How Are Impacted Canines Treated?

With other types of impactions, oral surgeons typically perform a teeth extraction, such as with wisdom teeth. However, this is not recommended for the canines. Instead, dentists will correct any teeth causing issues with spacing to make room for the canines. Braces can also be placed, which will correct misalignments and hopefully free up room for the impacted teeth. When all other options fail, dentists may remove the impacted tooth and replace it with an artificial one by using dental implants and crowns.

When it comes to impacted teeth, early detection offers the best chance of successful treatment. That’s why Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska recommends paying a visit to a skilled oral surgeon as soon as an issue is detected. If you’d like to schedule an appointment in Anchorage, call (907) 561-1430 today. You can also visit the website for more information on the list of services available.