Impacted Canines

The four canine teeth are located at the corners of the mouth and are important to the alignment of the bite and chewing function. However, an impacted canine tooth means the tooth cannot erupt properly. Dr. Sherban can help guide an impacted canine tooth into the dental arch through exposure and bonding treatment.

If your child has an impacted canine tooth, we can help. Contact our practice to schedule an appointment—you’ll meet with Dr. Sherban, a board-certified oral surgeon who treats patients of all ages at his state-of-the-art practice in Johnson City, TN. We look forward to providing you and your loved ones with a superior level of care.

What Is an Impacted Tooth?

If a tooth is partially or completely trapped beneath the gum tissue, it cannot erupt into the dental arch properly. This is called impaction, and canine teeth are commonly affected.

In general, a canine tooth will erupt between the ages of 9 and 12. However, if a canine tooth has not erupted during the early teenage years, and/or the baby tooth has not fallen out, impaction may be suspected.

Signs of an impacted tooth include:

• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling
• Bad breath
• Crooked or sideways eruption

An impacted canine tooth is usually discovered by a general dentist during a regular checkup. However, if you suspect impaction and are experiencing symptoms of impaction, please contact our office for prompt evaluation and treatment.

Exposure and Bonding Treatment

Exposure and bonding is a joint treatment between your orthodontist and your oral surgeon. When you come to The Regional Center for Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, Dr. Sherban will take 3D scans and create a custom care plan with your orthodontist. We will go over your treatment plan in detail and answer any questions you may have about your treatment.

Exposure and bonding involves surgically exposing the tooth, then bonding an orthodontic bracket to the tooth with a small chain attached. The chain will be used to gradually guide the tooth into the dental arch over several months.

Dr. Sherban will perform the surgical procedure in one of our state-of-the-art surgical suites. Laughing gas and a local anesthetic are commonly used during this procedure to ensure your comfort, but we offer many anesthesia options and will discuss them at your consultation appointment. Your orthodontist will oversee the movement of your impacted tooth using the chain to guide the tooth into place.