Implants and Oral Surgery

A impacted tooth or canine essentially means that it is blocked, stuck, or cannot erupt completely and function properly. Upper canines are the most common second teeth after impacted third molars (wisdom teeth). Impacted canines require surgical treatment (exposure) so they can erupt.

There are four canines, two in the upper jaw and two in the mandible. Canine teeth have the longest roots of human teeth, so they have acespecially firm connection with the jaw. They usually fall into place (erupt) around age 13.

What happens if the fang does not break the gum when adequate space is available?

Treatment will generally involve a combined effort between orthodontist and surgeon oral. The most common scenario will require the orthodontist place braces and arches on the other teeth (at least the upper teeth) to create space for the impacted canine to erupt. Once the space is ready, the oral surgeon will expose the impacted canine and will attach an orthodontic bracket to the exposed tooth. The stand will have a miniature gold chain attached. The chain will be attached to the archwire placed by the orthodontist.

Impacted canines can be bracketed and chained to promote proper alignment.

Shortly after surgery, the patient will return to the orthodontist. A rubber band on the chain to apply a slight eruptive pulling force on the impacted tooth or canine. This will start the process of moving the tooth to its proper place in the dental arch.

It is not so uncommon for both maxillary canines to be affected. In these cases, the space for these canines in the dental arch will be prepared by the orthodontist on both sides. Once the gaps are created, the oral surgeon will expose and attach the orthodontic braces to both teeth during the same visit.

The surgical procedure to expose impacted canines is performed by Dr. Badí Haddú at his clinic in Torremolinos. For most patients it is performed under local anesthesia, or in selected cases it is performed with intravenous sedation. These treatment options will be discussed in detail by Dr. Badí Haddú in your preoperative consultation.