Relieve Pain with Impacted Canine Extractions

Wisdom teeth aren’t the only teeth that can cause trouble. Sometimes, your canine teeth (those sharp ones in the front) can get stuck or “impacted” below the gum line. While this might not sound too serious, it can lead to a range of issues like pain, infection, and even damage to nearby teeth. Because canines are more critical to your bite’s function than wisdom teeth, assessing your condition and treating it as soon as possible is a must. Their importance also means that an impacted canine extraction may only be recommended in severe cases.

What Causes Canine Impaction?

Permanent canine teeth typically erupt at 13 years old, and their development can be affected by the development, eruption, and alignment of the teeth surrounding them. If crowding or spacing issues are present, then the teeth surrounding the canine may be forced too close together, causing the canine to become impacted and unable to erupt properly. If addressed early, treatments such as spacers and other orthodontic options may help avoid canine impaction by ensuring teeth have ample space to develop on both dental arches. However, in severe cases, the most effective way to avoid more extensive issues may be to extract the impacted canines.

The Symptoms of Impacted Teeth

  • Delayed Eruption: If your canine teeth haven’t erupted by the time you’re a teenager, they might be impacted. This can cause a delay in your overall dental development.
  • Pain and Discomfort: As your impacted canine tries to force its way through the gum tissue, it can cause pain, tenderness, and discomfort.
  • Swollen Gums: The pressure from the impacted tooth can lead to swelling and inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue.
  • Difficulty Chewing: Impacted canines can interfere with your bite, making it difficult to chew food properly.
  • Sinus Issues: In some cases, impacted upper canines can press against the sinus cavity, leading to sinus pain, pressure, or infection.

A Proactive Approach

Regular dental check-ups with Dr. Slaughter allow him to monitor your dental development and identify any potential issues early on. With early intervention, he can help guide teeth into their correct positions with personalized orthodontic treatment. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily, can help maintain healthy gums and teeth and can also promote proper tooth eruption.

Is Extraction the Right Choice?

Because extracting a canine tooth can impact your overall bite function, we’ll perform a thorough examination and assessment of your oral health before suggesting tooth extraction. For instance, in mild to moderate cases, specialized orthodontic treatment may help correct the spacing and crowding that has caused the impaction, as well as the canines’ positions and alignment. If extraction is the best option, then we’ll discuss your options for replacing the tooth and correcting your bite alignment before designing and performing your treatment.

Choose Extraction Today

In severe cases of canine impaction, surgically extracting the tooth may be the best way to restore your oral health. To schedule your consultation, call our practice today. We welcome patients who live in Dallas, Mansfield, Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Desoto, Red Oak, Waxahachie, Fort Worth, and all surrounding communities.