Impacted Canines

An impacted tooth simply means that it is “blocked” and cannot erupt into position. Patients frequently develop problems with impacted third molar (wisdom) teeth. These teeth get “stuck” in the back of the jaw and can develop painful infections among a host of other problems (see Impacted Wisdom Teeth under Procedures). The maxillary cuspid (upper eyetooth) is the second most common tooth to become impacted. The cuspid tooth is a critical tooth in the dental arch and plays an important role in your “bite”. The cuspid teeth are very strong biting teeth and have the longest roots of any human teeth. They are positioned to guide the rest of the teeth into the proper bite.

Normally, the maxillary cuspid teeth are the last of the “front” teeth to erupt into place. They usually come into place around age 13 and cause any space left between the upper front teeth to close tighter together. If a cuspid tooth gets impacted, every effort is made to get it to erupt into its proper position in the dental arch. The techniques involved to aid eruption can be applied to any impacted tooth in the upper or lower jaw, but most commonly they are applied to the maxillary cuspid (upper eye) teeth. Most of these impacted eyeteeth are located on the palatal (roof of the mouth) side of the dental arch.

Early Recognition Of Impacted Eyeteeth Is The Key To Successful Treatment

The older the patient, the more likely an impacted eyetooth will not erupt by nature’s forces alone even if the space is available for the tooth to fit in the dental arch. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a panorex screening x-ray, along with a dental examination, be performed on all dental patients at around the age of seven years to count the teeth and determine if there are problems with eruption of the adult teeth. It is important to determine whether all the adult teeth are present or are some adult teeth missing. Are there extra teeth present or unusual growths that are blocking the eruption of the eyetooth? Is there extreme crowding or too little space available causing an eruption problem with the eyetooth? This exam is usually performed by your general dentist or hygienist who will refer you to an orthodontist if a problem is identified. Treating such a problem may involve an orthodontist placing braces to open spaces to allow for proper eruption of the adult teeth. Treatment may also require referral to Dr. Lenox or Dr. Peterson for extraction of over-retained baby teeth and/or selected adult teeth that are blocking the eruption of the all-important eyeteeth. Dr. Lenox or Dr. Peterson will also need to remove any extra teeth (supernumerary teeth) or growths that are blocking eruption of any of the adult teeth. If the eruption path is cleared and the space is opened up by age 11-12, there is a good chance the impacted eyetooth will erupt with nature’s help alone. If the eyetooth is allowed to develop too much (age 13-14), the impacted eyetooth will not erupt by itself even with the space cleared for its eruption. If the patient is into adulthood, there is a much higher chance the tooth will be fused in position. In these cases, the tooth will not move despite all the efforts of the orthodontist and oral surgeon to erupt it into place. Sadly, the only option at this point is to extract the impacted tooth and consider an alternate treatment to replace it in the dental arch, optimally a dental implant.

What Happens If The Eyetooth Will Not Erupt When Proper Space Is Available?

In cases where the eyeteeth will not erupt spontaneously, your orthodontist and Dr. Lenox or Dr. Peterson work together to get these unerupted eyeteeth to erupt. Each case must be evaluated on an individual basis but treatment will usually involve a combined effort between the orthodontist and the oral surgeon. The most common scenario will call for the orthodontist to place braces on the teeth (at least the upper arch). A space will be opened to provide room for the impacted tooth to be moved into its proper position in the dental arch. If the baby eyetooth has not fallen out already, it is usually left in place until the space for the adult eyetooth is ready. Once the space is ready, the orthodontist will refer the patient to Dr. Lenox or Dr. Peterson to have the impacted eyetooth exposed or exposed and bracketed depending on the position of the tooth.

In a simple surgical procedure performed in Dr. Krueger and Dr. Lenox’s office, the gum on top of the impacted tooth will be lifted up to expose the hidden tooth underneath. If there is a baby tooth present, it will be removed at the same time. Once the tooth is exposed, Dr. Lenox or Dr. Peterson will bond an orthodontic bracket to the exposed tooth. The bracket will have a gold chain attached to it. The gold chain will be temporarily attached to the arch wire. Sometimes the surgeon will leave the exposed impacted tooth completely uncovered by suturing the gum up high above the tooth or making a window in the gum covering the tooth (in selected cases located on the roof of the mouth).

Shortly after surgery (1-14 days) the patient will return to the orthodontist. A rubber band will be attached to the chain to put a light eruptive pulling force on the impacted tooth. This will begin the process of moving the tooth into its proper place in the dental arch. This is a carefully controlled, slow process that may take up to a full year to complete. Remember, the goal is to erupt the impacted tooth and not to extract it! Once the tooth is moved into the arch in its final position, the gum around it will be evaluated to make sure it is sufficiently strong and healthy to last for a lifetime of chewing and tooth brushing. In some circumstances, especially those where the tooth had to be moved a long distance, there may be some minor “gum surgery” required to add bulk to the gum tissue over the relocated tooth so it remains healthy during normal function. Your dentist or orthodontist will explain this situation to you if it applies to your specific situation.


Exposure and Bracketing of an Impacted Cuspid


These basic principles can be adapted to apply to any impacted tooth in the mouth. It is not that uncommon for both of the maxillary cuspids to be impacted. In these cases, the space in the dental arch form will be prepared on both sides at once.

Recent studies have revealed that with early identification of impacted eyeteeth (or any other impacted tooth other than wisdom teeth), treatment should be initiated at a younger age. Once your general dentist or hygienist identifies a potential eruption problem, the patient should be referred to the orthodontist for early evaluation. In some cases, the patient will be sent to the oral surgeon before braces are even applied to the teeth. As mentioned earlier, Dr. Lenox or Dr. Peterson will be asked to remove over-retained baby teeth and/or selected adult teeth. He will also remove any extra teeth or growths that are blocking eruption of the developing adult teeth. Finally, he may be asked to simply expose an impacted eyetooth without attaching a bracket and chain to it. In reality, this is an easier surgical procedure to perform than having to expose and bracket the impacted tooth. This will encourage some eruption to occur before the tooth becomes totally impacted (stuck). By the time the patient is at the proper age for the orthodontist to apply braces to the dental arch, the eyetooth will have erupted enough that the orthodontist can bond a bracket to it and move it into place without needing to force its eruption. In the long run, this saves time for the patient and means less time in braces (always a plus for any patient!).

What To Expect From Surgery To Expose & Bracket An Impacted Tooth?

The surgery to expose and bracket an impacted tooth is a very straightforward surgical procedure that is performed in Dr. Lenox or Dr. Peterson‘s office. For most patients, it is performed with general anesthesia or  IV sedation.  These options will be discussed in detail at your preoperative consultation with Dr. Lenox or Dr. Peterson. You can also refer to Preoperative Instructions under Surgical Instructions on this website for a review of any details.

You can expect a limited amount of bleeding from the surgical sites after surgery. Although there will be some discomfort after surgery at the surgical sites, most patients find Tylenol or Advil to be more than adequate within a day or two.  There may be some swelling after surgery; it can be minimized by applying ice packs to the lip on the afternoon of the surgery. A soft, bland diet is recommended at first, but you may resume your normal diet as soon as you feel comfortable chewing. It is advised that you avoid food items like crackers and chips as they will irritate the surgical site.  You should plan to see your orthodontist within 1-14 days to activate the eruption process by applying the proper rubber band to the chain on your tooth. As always your doctor is available at the office or can be paged after hours if any problems should arise after surgery. Simply call Dr. Keith E. Krueger or Dr. Nathan Lenox, at West Bend Office Phone Number 541-617-3993 if you have any questions.

Ridgeline Oral Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 9 Extractions reviews

Patient Review By Vernon J

My husband had two wisdom teeth removed on September 28th. Dr Peterson did such an excellent job. He also was so kind to my husband who is 83 years old. I and my husband will recommend him to family members and friends. My husband is doing great and has had little pain. Thank you doctor Peterson.

- Vernon J

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Patient Review By Waymon T

I know my surgery took longer then expected and I can only assume you found issues that had be addresses. I would like to commend you on completing the surgery as planned. The swelling and bleeding have subsided and I have not experienced any pain. Great work. Additionally, I would like to thank your staff for working with the VA and hospital to get this surgery scheduled in a timely manner. You have a professional staff and I am sure your practice will continue to provide excellent service. Thank again for an all around great Job.

- Waymon T

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Vicki M

From the initial appointment to surgery, and post op each person was kind, knowledgeable, patient and caring. The doctor, assistants, reception all made me feel comfortable.

- Vicki M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Lori G

Excellent care. Had 4 extractions at one time. Very little pain next day. Dr. Peterson even called to check me. 6 stars if I could

- Lori G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By TAMMY M

Saw Dr. Welch as an emergancy after dentist could not finish pulling my molar having to leave in the roots as they were too deep into my nasal cavity. He was absoultely awesome, he thouroughly explained everything that was going on and answered all questions. He talks to you and not down like I have found some Dr's do. I will definately refer anyone who needs his type of service to him !!!! or this office

- TAMMY M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Rod Y

The call from Dr. Lenox last evening, to check up on how I was feeling/doing, after my tooth extraction yesterday morning, made this the best doctors follow up ever. The personal call by Dr. Lenox was the best by far as it was not made by an staff employee.

- Rod Y

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Tanya H

My overall experience with Dr. Lenox and his staff was extremely positive and I would definitely recommend them.

- Tanya H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By James W

I can't say enough good things about my experience with Keith and his team. I had to have an emergency type extraction and was extremely distressed. He managed to get me in that day and again for surgery the first thing the next morning. I felt like I was in good hands from the very beginning. I felt little or no pain or stress after the surgery. Would recommend him and his team to anyone who needs his services. His entire staff were top notch as well! Thank You!

- James W

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review By Verna M

This was the easiest dental experience I have ever had. It took me three weeks to get in...so glad I was patient!

- Verna M

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