Impacted Canines in Mount Pleasant, SC
Guiding Impacted Teeth Into Their Proper Position
Did you know that upper canines, also called eyeteeth, are the second most commonly impacted teeth after wisdom teeth? When an impacted canine tooth fails to erupt on its own, it can disrupt your bite and cause damage to neighboring teeth if left untreated.
Our team at Lowcountry Oral Surgery Specialists in Mount Pleasant, SC, is here to help you get the care your smile deserves, using precise surgical techniques and advanced imaging to preserve your natural teeth. Book your appointment today!
Why Choose Impacted Canine Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Early impacted canine tooth treatment gives your tooth the best chance of erupting naturally and functioning properly within your smile.
Address the issue early, since clearing the eruption path by ages 11 to 12 greatly increases the chance that the tooth comes in on its own.
Protect neighboring teeth from root damage caused by the impacted canine teeth pressing against them over time.
Prevent cyst formation or infection that can develop around a tooth trapped beneath the gumline.
Restore proper bite function by guiding the impacted maxillary canine into its correct position within your dental arch.
Avoid extraction by intervening before the tooth becomes fused to the surrounding bone, eliminating the need for a dental implant for an impacted canine later in life.
Support long-term oral health with a solution that works with your natural teeth.
What to Expect During Your Procedure
One-on-One Consultation
We assess your oral health, review your medical history, and use advanced imaging to locate the impacted tooth and plan the best approach.
Preparation
We coordinate with your orthodontist to confirm adequate arch space is ready before surgery and walk you through the full treatment plan.
Precise Application
During impacted tooth exposure, the gum tissue is lifted to expose the tooth, any retained baby tooth is removed, and an orthodontic bracket with a small gold chain is bonded to your tooth to begin guided eruption.
Aftercare
You will return to your orthodontist within 1 to 14 days to begin moving the tooth into position, a process that can take up to 1 year.
Preparing for Success: Before and After Care
Before Treatment
- Complete an oral health evaluation and medical history review.
- Confirm your orthodontic preparation and discuss your treatment timeline.
- Arrange for a driver and plan for adequate rest after your procedure.
After Treatment
- Use ice packs for swelling and take over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Advil as directed.
- Follow a soft diet and avoid sharp or crunchy foods near the surgical site.
- Attend all follow-up appointments with our office and your orthodontist.
Lowcountry Oral Surgery Specialists: Your Trusted Partner for Impacted Canine Treatment in Mount Pleasant
Board-Certified Expertise
Our board-certified surgeons have the specialized training to deliver successful, lasting outcomes for impacted canine cases.
Advanced Technology
We use CT-guided virtual planning and advanced imaging to ensure accurate tooth localization and safe, precise placement.
Collaborative Care
We partner with your orthodontist throughout treatment, from preparing arch space to guiding the tooth into its final position.
Complete Care for Every Need
Whether your case is simple or complex, we create a personalized plan that fits your specific situation and timeline.
Comfort-First Approach
We offer in-office sedation, including IV sedation, so you can feel at ease from the moment you arrive.
Your Neighbors, Your Partners
As a trusted part of the Mount Pleasant, SC community, we are committed to supporting you through every stage of your care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a canine to become impacted?
Impacted canines are most often caused by crowding, extra teeth, or developmental factors that block the tooth’s natural eruption path.
At what age should my child be screened for impacted canines?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a Panorex X-ray and dental check-up by age seven to detect early concerns with tooth development.
What is the exposure and bond procedure?
The expose-and-bond procedure, also known as impacted tooth exposure, exposes the affected canine and bonds an orthodontic bracket to it. It uses a small chain attached to your braces to gradually guide it into the correct position.
What happens if an impacted canine goes untreated?
An untreated impacted canine tooth can fuse to the bone, damage neighboring teeth, and eventually require extraction and replacement, such as a dental implant.
How long does treatment take?
The surgical exposure is brief, but the full impacted canine treatment, including orthodontic guidance, can take up to a year or more, depending on the tooth’s position.
Reclaim a Healthy Smile in Mount Pleasant, SC
Don’t let an impacted maxillary canine compromise your oral health. Our team at Lowcountry Oral Surgery Specialists is ready to create a treatment plan built around your needs. Book now!
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