Impacted Canine Specialist
Kian Farzaneh, DDS
Oral Surgeons & Dental Implant Specialists located in Danville, CA
An impacted canine tooth can compromise the overall alignment and function of your smile. To make sure your canines grow in properly, visit Dr. Kian Farzaneh DDS in Danville, California. As an oral surgery specialist, Dr. Farzaneh helps patients with tooth impaction problems and other issues that may affect their long-term oral health. Schedule a personalized consultation now by calling or booking an appointment online.
Impacted Canine Q & A
What is an impacted canine?
Every person has two upper, or maxillary, canine teeth and two lower, or mandibular, canines. These fang-like teeth have longer roots than any other teeth, and they're usually the last to erupt and move into place.
When a canine tooth becomes impacted, this means that it is blocked from moving into the proper position by other surrounding teeth or the structure of the jaw.
Why are canines important?
It’s vital that your canines move into their proper positions, as impacted canines can create several oral health challenges. Some of the critical functions of the canines include:
- Helping to close gaps in the upper teeth
- Maintaining a proper bite and chewing ability
- Impacting the alignment and structure of the rest of the teeth
When you have an impacted canine, it can not only compromise the function of your teeth, but it may also detract from having a straight, beautiful smile.
What causes an impacted canine?
A canine can become impacted due to numerous reasons. Some of the leading causes of impacted canines include:
- Extra teeth that block the canine from moving
- Crowding issues
- Soft tissue growths on the gums
How are impacted canines treated?
Treatment for impacted canines depends on your age, your jaw structure, and your oral health.
Dr. Farzaneh and his team start by taking 3-D X-ray images of your mouth and jaw. These pictures allow him to see a comprehensive view of your problem area and devise the best treatment plan.
Dr. Farzaneh might recommend tooth extractions to remove excess teeth, or baby teeth in children with impacted canines. In other cases, he can surgically “pull” on the impacted tooth and guide it to its proper position.
What can I expect after the procedure?
If Dr. Farzaneh removes a tooth or moves your impacted canine, you can expect to feel some tenderness and mild discomfort. This is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Dr. Farzaneh and his team also monitor your progress to make sure the procedure was successful.
After a few days, your mouth should feel normal again and you’ll be on the road to a straighter, healthier smile. To learn more about impacted canine treatment with Dr. Farzaneh, call the office today or book an appointment online.