We all get excited when a baby’s first teeth breakthrough their tiny little gums. Over time, all teeth come in and give the ability to eat, drink, talk, and provide daily functioning as needed regularly. Each tooth has its own job when breaking down for in the chewing process. There are canines, molars, and incisors.
Canines are located on either side of the teeth in the very front of your mouth, and play an essential role in tearing into food, just as dog’s teeth, and usually appear around ages 10 to 12. However, when they fail to grow in, this is known as impacted canines and often stems from being overcrowded by surrounding teeth, impeding them from breaking through the gum surface.
This can be a very painful experience for kids and can be the cause of significant discomfort. Fortunately, a dentist can assess the state of your teeth and determine the best course of action to take for treatment.
An orthodontist is a dental professional that specializes in smile correction via various devices and procedures. These specialists often identify the impacted canine issue and will refer you to another specialist known as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who will create a personalized treatment plan just for you. This plan may include assessing the teeth prior to executing any corrective procedures and treatment.
How Are Impacted Canines Treated?
Dental experts such as Dr. Aaron Vickers, Dr. Tamir Anvers, and the talented team at the Texas Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants understand the significance impacted canines can have on developing bodies in children and offer several services to remedy this issue quickly and efficiently.
Upon entering for your appointment, our doctors will assess the tooth via CBCT imaging to get a precise look as to the location of the impacted canine tooth and to what degree. He will then expose the tooth, clearing the gum tissue from around it before attaching a bracket and chain to the tooth. This process usually takes approximately 30 minutes for one tooth or about an hour for both teeth. If treatment is required for one tooth it usually will be required for the other as well. The team will keep your child calm and comfortable throughout their treatment with anesthesia, including local anesthesia and IV sedation.
Following this procedure, you’ll return to your orthodontist within a few days to continue treatment. They’ll help your child’s teeth move into their proper position. This process can take a few months but is well worth it when you consider what it will do for your child’s dental health and aesthetics!
Don’t Let Impacted Canines Disrupt A Life Any Longer!
Impacted Canines can impact a child’s future oral health! Call our doctors, Aaron Vickers, DDS, MD and Tamir D. Anver, DDS, MD, at our offices in Flower Mound, TX and Denton, TX to schedule an appointment get started on treating this issue today!