Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth is a tooth that is blocked or “stuck” underneath the gum line, and does not erupt into its correct position on its own. Most often, an impacted tooth will be a third molar, or wisdom tooth, though it is a common occurrence in canine teeth as well. Canine teeth are located at the corners of the arch, next to the incisors. They have one pointed edge (cusp) which is used for holding, grasping, and tearing food. Because of the canine’s long root, they are very strong, stable teeth. Canines are usually the last teeth to erupt, and usually do so when your child is around the age of 12 or 13.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic examination by the age of seven, which allows us the opportunity to monitor your child’s teeth eruption and detect impactions early.

If your child does develop an impacted canine, a simple surgical procedure is recommended to assist the eruption of the tooth. We will place braces and then refer you to an oral surgeon to surgically expose the tooth by cutting a small flap in the surrounding gum. After the tooth is exposed, the surgeon will either leave the tooth to erupt on its own, or attach an orthodontic bracket with a chain that Dr. McDonough will use to the tooth to help guide the tooth into its proper position.  Since we invested in 3-D imaging in 2019, the treatment of impacted teeth has become much easier for the patient.

With early detection and combined surgical and orthodontic treatment, impacted canines can be allowed to erupt and/or be guided to the most ideal position in your child’s mouth.