Impacted teeth treatment in Fishers, Indiana
An impacted tooth is a tooth that is blocked or “stuck” underneath the gum line and does not erupt into its correct position on its own. Most often, an impacted tooth will be a third molar or wisdom tooth, though it is common in canine teeth. Canine teeth are located at the corners of the arch, next to the incisors. They have one pointed edge (cusp) for holding, grasping, and tearing food. Because of the canine’s long root, they are strong, stable teeth. Canines are usually the last teeth to erupt and do so when your child is around the age of 12 or 13.
Early orthodontic evaluation allows us to monitor your child’s teeth eruption and detect impactions early. If your child does develop an impacted canine, a simple surgical procedure is recommended to assist in the eruption of the tooth. We’ll surgically expose the tooth by cutting a small flap in the surrounding gum. After the tooth is exposed, we will either leave it to erupt on its own or attach an orthodontic bracket to the tooth to help guide its descent. With early detection and treatment, impacted canines can erupt and/or be guided to the most ideal position in your child’s mouth.