Impacted Canines

An impacted tooth refers to a tooth that is unable to come in properly. Any tooth in the mouth is susceptible to impaction, but wisdom teeth and canines are the most commonly impacted teeth. While wisdom teeth are usually extracted whether or not they are impacted, every effort is made to bring an impacted canine tooth into its proper position. When canines are impacted, it becomes a joint effort between an oral surgeon and an orthodontist through a common treatment called expose and bond.

Dr. Falk, Dr. Moody, and Dr. Yau welcome and treat patients of all ages. If your child has an impacted tooth, including an impacted canine, please contact our practice in Las Vegas or Henderson, NV.

What Causes Canine Impaction?

Most teeth will come into their proper position in the mouth, but an impacted tooth is not uncommon. Many times, a canine tooth becomes impacted due to dental crowding or retained baby teeth.

It is important that your child sees their general or pediatric dentist regularly so that the growth and development of their teeth can be monitored. Your child’s dentist will be able to identify any issues and can refer you to the dental professionals who specialize in impacted teeth—your oral surgeon and orthodontist.

While the most common treatment for impacted canines is a procedure called expose and bond, sometimes an impacted tooth is unable to be treated. In these instances, your options for tooth replacement will be discussed. Our oral surgeons treat impacted canines at their practices in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV. We encourage you to call our office to schedule a consultation to discuss your child’s impacted teeth.

How Does the Exposure and Bonding Treatment Work?

Expose and bond treatment works by helping the impacted tooth move into the right position. First, an orthodontist will create a space for the impacted tooth to come in by applying braces. The gentle but steady pressure on the teeth caused by the braces will shift the teeth into their new positions. After a space has been created for the tooth, your oral surgeon will expose the tooth with a minor surgical procedure. Once the tooth has been exposed, a bracket will be bonded to the tooth, with a small chain attachment. This chain will be used by your orthodontist to guide the tooth into place.

Expose & Bond in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV

We welcome patients of all ages. Our surgeons and staff treat every patient like family while providing the highest standard of care. If your child has an impacted tooth, we encourage you to contact us to schedule a consultation and receive your personalized treatment plan.