What is an Impacted Tooth?
An impacted tooth occurs when a tooth fails to erupt fully through the gum and into its proper position due to lack of space or physical obstruction by bone, neighboring teeth, or soft tissue. While third molars (wisdom teeth) are the most commonly impacted, other teeth, especially eyeteeth (maxillary canines), are frequently involved and play an important role in your overall bite. Without treatment, impacted teeth may cause pain, cysts, root damage to adjacent teeth, and shifting of the dental arch.
Early Recognition of Impacted Eyeteeth Is the Key to Successful Treatment
Impacted eyeteeth—also known as canines—require early identification for optimal treatment outcomes. Dental professionals typically conduct panoramic or CBCT scans by ages 7–12 to detect potential eruption problems. When space is available and obstacles such as baby teeth, extra teeth, or supernumerary growths are removed early, successful natural eruption becomes highly likely.
If recognized late, impacted canines may fail to erupt completely, increasing the risk of ankylosis (fusion to bone), root resorption of adjacent teeth, or cyst formation. Early action saves patients from more extensive surgery and orthodontic intervention later.
What Happens if the Eyetooth Will Not Erupt When Proper Space Is Available?
Even when the orthodontic arch is prepared, some impacted eyeteeth may not emerge on their own. In these cases, a joint approach involving your orthodontist and an oral surgeon becomes essential. The surgeon clears obstructions—removing retained baby teeth or supernumerary teeth—and surgically exposes the impacted tooth, often placing a bracket and small gold chain to initiate guided eruption. This chain is attached to orthodontic braces, allowing gradual pulling into alignment.
Treatment timing matters. Patients aged 13–14 may still respond well to guided eruption, while those over 40 have a higher chance of ankylosis, often leading to extraction and later replacement with an implant or bridge.
What to Expect from Surgery to Expose & Bracket an Impacted Tooth
This procedure is typically performed in-office under local anesthesia, laughing gas, or IV sedation—depending on case complexity and patient preference.
- Initial Consultation & Imaging — A comprehensive evaluation is completed, including 3D imaging to pinpoint the tooth’s location, its relationship to roots, nerves, and the sinus.
- Surgical Exposure — The gum tissue is gently lifted or a window is created in bone to reveal the crown of the impacted tooth. Any obstructing baby teeth or extra teeth are removed.
- Bracket & Chain Placement — A small orthodontic bracket and chain are bonded to the exposed tooth. The chain is secured to your braces to allow controlled tooth eruption.
- Aftercare & Recovery — Most patients experience mild swelling and discomfort, manageable with over-the-counter medications. Healing takes a few days, while tooth movement may take weeks to months.
- Completion & Follow-Up — Once the tooth is fully aligned, gum tissue may be reshaped to promote long-term oral health and aesthetics.