Impacted Canines In San Jose, CA: A Patient Guide
Impacted canines are upper eye teeth that do not erupt into the mouth on their own. At My AZ Dental in San Jose, CA, patients often ask what this means for their oral health and how treatment works. This page explains causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and what to expect, so you can make informed decisions about care.
Impacted Canines Explained
Maxillary canines usually erupt between ages 11 and 13. Because these teeth have the longest roots and play a key role in your bite, they are important for esthetics and function. An impacted canine is a canine tooth that remains trapped in the gum or bone due to lack of space, an unfavorable path, or obstruction.
Common impacted canine symptoms include a baby canine that does not fall out on time, crowding, a bump high on the gum, or delayed canine tooth eruption on one side only. In some cases, impacted canines are silent and discovered on dental X‑rays during routine exams.
Why Treatment Matters
Timely management protects your bite and the health of nearby teeth. When a canine is impacted, it can press on adjacent roots and contribute to resorption or gum problems. Guided eruption helps position the tooth where it can support chewing and smile aesthetics.
- Treating impacted canines can reduce the risk of damage to neighboring teeth and roots.
- Proper canine position improves guidance during chewing and protects back teeth.
- Addressing the issue early can shorten orthodontic treatment time and complexity.
- Successful alignment often avoids the need for future replacement options.
The Impacted Canine Treatment Process
Diagnosis begins with a clinical exam, panoramic X‑ray, and often CBCT imaging to pinpoint the tooth’s location and its relation to adjacent roots and sinuses. Based on age, position, and space, your dentist and orthodontist coordinate a plan. Common steps include:
- Space Creation: Orthodontic appliances create room by gently moving neighboring teeth.
- Baby Tooth Removal: A retained primary canine may be removed to open a path.
- Surgical Exposure Of Canine: A small window is made in the gum (and sometimes bone) to uncover the impacted tooth. A bracket and small chain are usually bonded to the canine.
- Orthodontic Traction: Light forces guide the tooth into the arch over several months.
- Alternative Paths: If the canine position is unfavorable or ankylosed, extraction and replacement options, such as a dental implant or bridge, may be discussed once growth is complete.
Most exposure procedures use local anesthesia, with the option of nitrous oxide or oral sedation for comfort. The surgery usually takes less than an hour for one tooth.
Your Experience And Recovery
Before the procedure, you will receive instructions about eating, medications, and hygiene. Plan soft foods for a few days. After surgery, mild swelling and tenderness are common for 48 to 72 hours. Over‑the‑counter pain relievers, cold compresses, and saltwater rinses help. Most patients return to normal routines within a day or two.
You will see the orthodontist soon after exposure so traction can begin. It may take several months for the tooth to move into position. Good brushing, a gentle rinse around the surgical site, and keeping all follow‑ups support healthy healing.
Risks include bleeding, infection, gum irritation, or temporary discomfort. In rare cases, the tooth may not move as expected due to ankylosis or unfavorable root position. Your care team will review your imaging and discuss realistic timelines and outcomes.