Specialized Impacted Canine Exposure Surgery at Valley Oral Surgery in Livermore and Dublin, CA

What Is an Impacted Canine?

The canine teeth, also called cuspids or eyeteeth, are the pointed teeth located just beside your front incisors. These are critical teeth for chewing function and facial aesthetics due to their long roots and key position in the bite.

An impacted canine is a tooth that does not fully erupt into the mouth on its own. Instead, it remains trapped in the gum or jawbone — sometimes in a misaligned or horizontal position.

Impacted canines are most commonly:

• Upper canines (more often than lower)
• Detected in adolescents (ages 11–14)
• Identified during routine orthodontic or dental exams

If left untreated, impacted canines can lead to root damage of nearby teeth, misalignment, cyst formation, or bite problems.

Why Are Canines Important?

Canine teeth serve several important functions:

• Guide the alignment of other teeth during bite movement
• Maintain facial structure and smile symmetry
• Support chewing and tearing function
• Act as anchors for the dental arch

Because of these roles, orthodontists and oral surgeons typically recommend preserving the natural canines whenever possible — even when impacted.

Causes of Canine Impaction

Impaction may occur due to:

• Overcrowding or lack of space in the upper jaw
• Baby teeth (primary canines) that don’t fall out in time
• Genetic or developmental factors
• Presence of extra teeth (supernumerary) blocking eruption
• Misalignment or unusual tooth angle

In many cases, early evaluation with 3D imaging helps determine whether the tooth can be guided into proper position with surgery and orthodontics.

Surgical Exposure of Impacted Canines

The most common treatment for impacted canines is a procedure known as surgical exposure, often performed in coordination with an orthodontist. The goal is to assist the natural canine in erupting into its correct position.

Here’s how the process works:

• Consultation & Imaging: We use 3D cone beam CT scans to assess the exact position and depth of the impacted tooth.
• Surgical Exposure Procedure: Under local anesthesia or IV sedation, the gum and possibly a small amount of bone are lifted to expose the impacted canine.
• Attachment of Orthodontic Bracket: A small bracket with a chain or elastic is bonded to the exposed tooth. This attachment is then used by your orthodontist to slowly guide the tooth into its proper place over time.
• Follow-Up and Healing: You’ll return to your orthodontist for continued traction and monitoring as the canine erupts into alignment.

This approach preserves the natural tooth and improves long-term function and aesthetics.

What to Expect After Surgery

Recovery is generally straightforward. Most patients experience:

• Mild swelling and tenderness for 2–3 days
• Return to normal activity within 1–2 days
• Soft diet for the first 48 hours
• Use of over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication as needed
• Gentle oral hygiene near the surgical site

You’ll receive detailed surgical aftercare instructions to support proper healing. Stitches may dissolve on their own or be removed at a follow-up appointment.

When Should Impacted Canines Be Treated?

Earlier detection leads to better outcomes. The ideal age to assess for canine impaction is around 11–13 years, when eruption should already be underway.

Timely treatment:

• Prevents damage to adjacent tooth roots
• Reduces the need for tooth extraction
• Simplifies orthodontic alignment
• Protects jawbone and gum health

If detected too late, extraction and prosthetic replacement may become necessary. That’s why many orthodontists refer to oral surgeons early for evaluation.

Who Performs the Procedure?

At Valley Oral Surgery, impacted canine exposure surgery is performed by experienced, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons — Anna Lu, DMD and Jimmy Tung Nguyen, DDS, MD. We routinely collaborate with local orthodontists throughout Livermore, Dublin, and the Bay Area to coordinate effective treatment plans.