Impacted Canines Treatment Waterloo
Humans have two upper (maxillary) canines and two lower (mandibular) canines. Canine teeth are sometimes referred to as cuspids, fangs, or “eye teeth” because of their direct positioning beneath the eyes. Canine teeth have thicker and more conical roots than incisors and thus have an especially firm connection to the jaw. Canine teeth often have the longest root of all teeth in the human mouth and the last to fully erupt and fall into place; often around age 13.
An impacted tooth essentially means that it is blocked, stuck, or unable to fully erupt and function properly. Third molars (wisdom teeth) most commonly fall victim to impaction, but the upper canine is the second most common tooth to become impacted. Wisdom teeth serve no important function in the mouth and are frequently removed; however, impacted canines are critical to the bite and require treatment for the following reasons:
- Closing Gaps – Canines are the last of the front teeth to fall into place and therefore close any unsightly gaps between the other upper teeth.
- First Touch – Canines play a vital role in the “biting” mechanism of the teeth. They touch first when the jaw closes, and guide the other teeth into position.
- Proper Alignment & Function – Canine teeth are essential to the correct alignment and function of the other teeth on the dental arch. Missing or impacted canines can greatly affect the function and aesthetic appearance of the smile.
What Causes Canine Teeth to Become Impacted?
There are several main causes for impacted canine teeth:
Extra Teeth – If extra teeth are present, the natural eruption of the canine teeth may be inhibited. The eruption progress of the canine may be directly blocked by an extra tooth or the subsequent overcrowding might leave no room on the dental arch for the canine.
Overcrowding – In some cases, poor alignment of the front teeth can lead to overcrowding. The existing teeth compete for space which means that the canines do not have sufficient room to become functional.
Unusual Growths – On rare occasions, unusual growths on the soft tissue of the gums can restrict the progress of canine teeth, which leads to later impaction.
Early and thorough examination of the teeth can pre-empt problems with impacted canines. It is important for the dentist to document the number teeth present when the patient is around 7 years of age in order to record the presence or absence of canine teeth. The older the patient becomes, the less likely it is that an impacted canine tooth will erupt naturally. If canine teeth are missing or very slow in fully erupting, the dentist can make recommendations for proper treatment.
Oral Examination
The dentist initially conducts a thorough visual examination of the teeth, accompanied by a panorex x-ray and/or individual x-rays. Once the cause of the impaction has been determined, there will be several treatment options available depending upon the age of the patient. The objective is to aid the eruption of the impacted canines, and this can be skillfully done by the dentist, an oral surgeon, or an orthodontist.
What Does the Treatment of Impacted Canines Involve?
If your mouth is overcrowded for any reason, the dentist may recommend extraction of teeth. The extraction will generally be performed under local anesthetic by an oral surgeon in Waterloo. The un-erupted canine will then be exposed by lifting the gum, and guided into place using a special bracket.
In the case of younger patients, an orthodontic brace may be fitted to create a space on the dental arch for the impacted canine. Surgery for impacted canines usually does not require an overnight stay. Pain medication will be prescribed as necessary, and you’ll be given post treatment advice for your recovery.
Impacted Canine Treatment in Waterloo, ON
If you’re dealing with impacted canine teeth or concerns about your child’s dental development, visiting a trusted dental clinic in Waterloo, ON can help address the issue early. At Trillium Dental Centre, we assess and guide proper tooth eruption with personalized care. Call 519-746-4000 to book your consultation.
What to Expect From Impacted Canine Treatment
Canine teeth (the pointed teeth toward the front of the mouth) are important for both bite function and smile appearance. When a permanent canine fails to erupt properly and stays trapped in the bone, it is called impacted. This happens most often with the upper canines, in about two percent of the population. Early detection through routine dental x-rays makes treatment much more straightforward than discovering the impaction later in life.
Treatment of an impacted canine is usually a coordinated effort between your orthodontist and oral surgeon. Orthodontic treatment creates the space needed in the dental arch for the canine to move into. The oral surgeon then exposes the impacted tooth — making a small incision in the gum, sometimes removing a small amount of bone over the tooth, and bonding a small bracket and chain onto the tooth's surface. The orthodontist uses that chain to gently guide the tooth into position over several months.
The whole process from initial assessment to final position usually takes one to two years, depending on the depth of the impaction and the age of the patient. Younger patients (early teens) typically respond more quickly because their tissues are more responsive to tooth movement. Adult cases are still very treatable but may take longer and may have a slightly higher risk of complications.
When Treatment of an Impacted Canine Is Recommended
Not every impacted canine needs intervention, but most do because of the long-term consequences of leaving them where they are. Treatment is typically recommended when:
- X-rays reveal an impacted permanent canine that is not erupting on its expected schedule (usually by age 13 to 14 for upper canines)
- The impacted tooth is positioned in a way that risks damaging the roots of adjacent teeth
- A cyst or other pathology has developed around the impacted tooth
- The patient is undergoing orthodontic treatment that needs the canine in proper position for the bite to be complete
- The space in the dental arch is being maintained for the eventual eruption or surgical exposure
- Aesthetic concerns about the canine being missing from the smile
- Adult discovery of an impaction that has not caused symptoms but is starting to affect adjacent teeth
In a minority of adult cases where the impacted tooth is asymptomatic, deeply buried, and not damaging anything, monitoring rather than treatment may be reasonable. This decision is individualized.
Recovery and What Happens After Treatment
Recovery from the surgical exposure portion of treatment is usually straightforward. Mild swelling and discomfort for a few days is normal, managed with over-the-counter pain medication and ice on the cheek. Soft foods on the opposite side for a week or so. The orthodontist usually begins applying gentle traction within a couple of weeks of the exposure, and the patient sees the brace adjustments at regular intervals through the months that follow.
Watching the canine move into position is genuinely rewarding for patients. Progress is gradual but visible at each orthodontic visit. Once the tooth is in position, brackets and chains are removed, and standard orthodontic treatment continues to refine the bite. The total orthodontic phase may run another six to twelve months after the canine reaches its target position.
After active treatment ends, retainers protect the result long-term. The previously impacted canine functions like any other tooth — chewing, smiling, and looking the way it should. The risk of relapse (the tooth shifting back) is managed with consistent retainer wear, especially during the first year or two after treatment.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Impacted canine treatment cost has two components: the surgical exposure done by the oral surgeon, and the orthodontic treatment that creates space and brings the tooth into position. Trillium follows the current Ontario Dental Association Suggested Fee Guide for both surgical and orthodontic procedures, and we provide a written estimate at the planning visit so both phases are clear.
Most private dental insurance plans cover the surgical exposure under oral surgery benefits. Orthodontic coverage varies more — many plans have a lifetime orthodontic maximum that applies to all orthodontic treatment combined. We submit pre-determinations to your insurer before treatment starts, and we coordinate with the orthodontist on a shared treatment plan and pre-determination for the orthodontic portion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this happen?
Impacted canines result from a combination of factors: crowding in the dental arch that leaves no room for the canine to come down, genetic patterns of tooth eruption, the position of the canine within the bone, and sometimes the presence of nearby cysts or extra teeth. Early dental x-rays catch developing impactions before they cause problems.
Can I leave the impacted tooth alone?
Sometimes, but usually not without consequences. An impacted canine may damage the roots of adjacent teeth, develop a cyst, or shift the bite. Each case is individualized; your dentist explains the specific risks of leaving your impaction untreated.
Will it hurt?
The surgical exposure is done under local anaesthetic, with sedation available for patients who would prefer it. Post-operative discomfort is usually mild for a few days. The orthodontic phase involves the usual mild pressure of tooth movement, not significantly different from regular orthodontic treatment.
How long does the whole process take?
Most cases take one to two years from initial orthodontic preparation through full alignment. Younger patients often complete treatment faster than adults. Severely impacted canines may take longer.
Will the canine look like a normal tooth when it is done?
Yes, in most cases. The previously impacted canine looks and functions like any other tooth once it reaches its proper position. Minor cosmetic refinements (composite bonding, slight reshaping) can address any small remaining differences if needed.
Can adults have this treatment too?
Yes, though adults often need slightly longer treatment and may have a slightly higher risk of the tooth not fully responding. The decision involves weighing the benefits against the time and effort. Many adults choose to proceed and have excellent outcomes.