Bottom Line: An impacted canine tooth can be successfully treated with the right care from your orthodontic team. Early treatment gives the best results, especially for younger patients.
What Are Impacted Canine Teeth?
An impacted canine tooth is a hidden tooth underneath the gum that gets stuck and cannot come into its proper position in the dental arch. Your canine teeth are some of the most important teeth in your mouth. They are very strong biting teeth that help guide your bite when you close your jaw.
Canine teeth are also called “eye teeth” because they sit right under your eyes. These teeth have the longest roots of all human teeth, making them incredibly strong. When a canine tooth becomes impacted, it means there isn’t enough room for it to come through the gum tissue naturally.
Why Canine Teeth Matter So Much
Your canine teeth do three important jobs:
- Strong bite power – They are very strong biting teeth that can handle tough foods
- Guide your bite – They help all your other teeth fit together properly
- Support your smile – They form the corners of your smile and support your lips
Unlike wisdom teeth, which can often be removed safely, canine teeth are needed for a healthy mouth. That’s why treating an impacted canine tooth is so important.
Signs Your Child Has an Impacted Canine Tooth
Parents should watch for these warning signs:
- Missing tooth – The canine tooth hasn’t appeared by age 13-14
- Baby tooth won’t fall out – The baby tooth is still there past the normal time
- Swelling or bump – You can see or feel a bump in the gum tissue
- Crowded teeth – Other teeth are shifting or becoming crowded
- One side looks different – One side has the adult tooth but the other doesn’t
The Canadian Association of Orthodontists recommends dental examination by age 7 to catch these problems early.
What Happens If You Don’t Treat It?
Leaving an impacted canine tooth untreated can cause several problems:
Damage to nearby teeth – The hidden tooth can push against the roots of adjacent teeth, causing damage that might need dental implants to fix later.
Poor bite alignment – Without the canine tooth in its proper position, your bite won’t work correctly. This can cause other teeth to wear down faster.
Gum problems – The area around the impacted tooth can develop gum disease or infections.
Smile appearance – Your smile may look uneven or sink in where the tooth should be.
Treatment Options for Impacted Canine Teeth
Your orthodontist will choose the best treatment based on your child’s age and how severe the impaction is:
1. Wait and Watch
Sometimes, if the impacted tooth isn’t causing problems, your orthodontist might just keep an eye on it. However, this usually isn’t the best long-term solution.
2. Early Prevention
If caught early (ages 9-12), your orthodontist might:
- Remove baby teeth that are blocking the path
- Use orthodontic treatment like braces to make space
- Guide the tooth into place as it grows
3. Surgical Exposure (Most Common)
This is the most effective treatment for impacted canine teeth. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Making Space Your orthodontist will first use braces to create proper space in your dental arch for the impacted tooth.
Step 2: Surgery An oral surgeon will:
- Use local anesthesia to numb the area
- Lift the gum covering the hidden tooth
- Attach a miniature gold chain to the exposed tooth
- Close the gum tissue, leaving only the chain visible
Step 3: Gentle Pulling After about 1-2 weeks, your orthodontist will attach a proper rubber band to the chain. This creates a light pulling force that slowly moves the tooth into its proper position.
This is a very straightforward surgical procedure that usually takes about 45 minutes. Many patients also choose Invisalign treatment to help create space, though traditional braces are often needed for the actual tooth movement.
4. Tooth Removal and Replacement
This is only considered when one of the following is true:
- The patient is over 25 years old
- The impacted tooth is severely positioned
- Moving the tooth would damage adjacent teeth
Replacement options include dental implants or moving another tooth into the canine position.
Your Treatment Team
Successful treatment requires teamwork between dental professionals:
Your Orthodontist – Creates space and moves the tooth into place
Oral Surgeon – Performs the surgical exposure in their office
General Dentist – Provides ongoing care and monitors oral health
At Impact Orthodontics, we work closely with trusted oral surgeons in Calgary to make sure you get the best care.
What to Expect During Recovery
After the surgical procedure, here’s what’s normal:
Pain Management – Some discomfort is normal. Your oral surgeon will recommend appropriate pain medication.
Swelling – Use ice packs for the first day to reduce swelling.
Oral Hygiene – Keep maintaining good oral hygiene, but be gentle around the surgical site. Check out our oral hygiene tips for the best care during treatment.
Activity – Avoid gym workouts and heavy exercise for 5-7 days.
Diet – Stick to soft foods for the first few days, then gradually return to your normal diet.
The healing process is usually similar to having a tooth removed. Most patients feel back to normal within a week.
Success Rates and Timeline
Treatment success depends a lot on age:
Children and teens – Success rates approach 100% for patients under 14 years old
Adults – Success rate drops to about 69% for patients over 25
Treatment Timeline:
- Preparation with braces: 3-6 months
- Surgical procedure: 1-2 hours
- Orthodontic movement: Up to 12 months
- Total treatment time: 18-24 months on average
When to Seek Treatment
Age 7 – First orthodontic evaluation recommended
Ages 9-12 – Best time for early intervention
Age 13+ – If the canine tooth hasn’t appeared, see your orthodontist
The earlier you catch an impacted canine tooth, the easier and more successful treatment will be.
Comparing Your Options
When considering treatment, you might wonder about braces vs Invisalign. While both can help create space, traditional braces are usually needed for the actual movement of the impacted tooth because they provide more precise control.
Prevention Tips
While you can’t always prevent impacted canine teeth, you can help catch them early:
- Regular dental checkups starting at age 7
- Watch for delayed tooth eruption
- Don’t ignore a baby tooth that won’t fall out
- Seek orthodontic evaluation if you notice crowding
Good oral hygiene and regular dental care help ensure healthy development of all adult teeth.
Get the Right Treatment in Calgary
Treating an impacted canine tooth requires specialized knowledge and careful planning. The key to success is early detection and treatment by experienced orthodontic professionals.
At Impact Orthodontics, we have helped hundreds of Calgary families successfully treat impacted canine teeth. Our team works with the best oral surgeons in the city to ensure your child gets excellent care throughout the entire process.
Don’t wait if you suspect your child has an impacted canine tooth. Early treatment is more comfortable, faster, and more successful. Book a new patient exam today to get started on the path to a healthy, beautiful smile.
