Impacted Canines

The four canine teeth in the mouth are important to bite alignment and chewing function. However, when a canine tooth is impacted, it means it cannot properly erupt. Dr. Holtzen, a board-certified oral surgeon at Alpine Oral & Facial Surgery in Missoula and Hamilton, MT, can help guide impacted canine teeth into the dental arch through a procedure called exposure and bonding. If your child has impacted canine teeth, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holtzen.

Identifying an Impacted Tooth

An impacted tooth is one that is partially or completely trapped beneath the gum tissue, preventing it from erupting properly. Canine teeth are commonly affected by impaction. Normally, a canine tooth should erupt between the ages of 9 and 12. If a canine tooth has not erupted during the early teenage years and the baby tooth has not fallen out, impaction may be suspected.

Signs of an impacted tooth include pain, redness, swelling, bad breath, and crooked or sideways eruption. If you suspect impaction and are experiencing symptoms, it is important to seek prompt evaluation and treatment.

Exposure and Bonding Treatment

Exposure and bonding is a collaborative treatment between your orthodontist and oral surgeon. At Alpine Oral & Facial Surgery, Dr. Holtzen will take 3D scans and work with your orthodontist to create a customized care plan. During your appointment, we will explain the treatment plan in detail and address any questions or concerns you may have.

The exposure and bonding procedure involves surgically exposing the impacted tooth and bonding an orthodontic bracket to it. Then, a small chain will be placed, which the orthodontist will use to gradually guide the tooth into the dental arch over several months.

Dr. Holtzen performs exposure and bonding in our state-of-the-art surgical suites. Laughing gas and local anesthesia are commonly used to ensure your comfort, but we offer various anesthesia options that will be discussed during your consultation.