A guide to specialty care for impacted canine teeth
Specialists like our oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Drs Russell Spinazze, Mark Spinazze, and Eliza Drobny, have the unique depth and breadth of knowledge to offer many services and treatments that cannot be found at dentists’ offices in Mount Pleasant, Illinois, and beyond. This specialty knowledge and experience are further elevated and supported by onsite diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. Other dentists, orthodontists, and specialists refer their patients to us to benefit from such considerable onsite capabilities. For instance, the exposure of impacted teeth may be necessary when preparing for orthodontics purposes.
What do you mean by “impacted teeth”?
In this context, we are talking about the pointy canines or “eye teeth.” These are the strongest teeth with the longest roots. They can be problematic. However, impaired growth and crowding may trap teeth in the soft tissue and bone. This is the very definition of “impacted” or “impaction.” Impacted canines may be associated with intense pain and other distressing symptoms as they push up against the overlying tissues to break through and erupt normally. These are the consequences in the shorter term, but there are also a range of complications and implications for orthodontics over the longer term.
What are some of those complications?
Most orthodontists will make every effort to encourage the healthy growth and development of these canine teeth. Why? They play an essential role in the development of a healthy “bite,” which refers to the relationship between the opposing upper and lower teeth when your mouth is closed. Common bite imbalances include an underbite and overbite. The upper teeth should only slightly overlap and should not protrude too much. The same idea goes for the lower teeth. They should not jut out too far, either.
How do you fix this issue?
“Fixing” or exposing the impacted tooth is a straightforward surgical procedure. Our specialists, who take a particular interest in sedative techniques and methods, typically start the process by administering IV or intravenous sedation. So, you will be relaxed and won’t feel anything at any step as the teeth are accessed through a small opening in the gums. The surgery also involves removing bony tissue and placing a special device (bracket and chain) on each tooth to be treated. Sometimes, your orthodontist will place this component of treatment themselves. Whatever the case, the idea is to reposition the tooth gradually. So, it ultimately is shifted into the proper placement in the dental arch. When treated early, the prognosis is excellent.
What is after-care like?
The pre-operative and post-operative care instructions are very similar to a simple tooth extraction! As specialist partners in your family’s oral health, our team, Associates for Oral, Maxillofacial & Implants Surgery in Mount Prospect, IL, will review everything with you before the procedure. We aim to empower patients with clear, transparent, and credible information. And we welcome your additional and specific questions! Call (847) 255-7080 today. If one of our three other Chicagoland locations is more convenient for you, please call (773) 736-3300 (Chicago), (630) 289-5002 (Bartlett), and (847) 593-0535 (Elk Grove Village).
