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Conditions

Oral and maxillofacial surgery · Face, mouth and jaws

Impacted canines and other teeth

Understand why a tooth remains trapped in bone or gum and when treatment may be needed.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

An impacted tooth does not emerge normally into the mouth and remains wholly or partly within bone or beneath gum; upper canines are commonly affected.

Possible symptoms

It may be silent or cause delayed eruption, a persistent gap, a palatal bulge, tooth displacement, pain or infection.

Causes and associated factors

Lack of space, an abnormal path, an obstruction, extra tooth, cyst, trauma to a baby tooth or developmental predisposition can contribute.

Diagnosis

A dentist or orthodontist checks eruption timing, feels the area and assesses adjacent teeth.

Tests

Panoramic or targeted X-rays locate the tooth; 3D imaging is reserved for cases where its relation to roots or nearby structures changes planning.

Course of the condition

Some impacted teeth remain stable under review; others displace or resorb neighbouring roots, become infected or develop a cyst.

Care options

Depending on age and position, monitoring, orthodontic space creation, surgical exposure and traction, transplantation or removal may be discussed.

When to consult

Seek assessment when a permanent tooth is late, its opposite number erupted months earlier, or there is pain, swelling or tooth movement.

Urgent help

Fever, increasing facial swelling or difficulty opening the mouth, swallowing or breathing needs urgent care.

Questions for your doctor

  • What exact diagnosis and extent have been established?
  • Which functions—breathing, vision, chewing, speech or swallowing—are affected?
  • Which non-surgical and surgical options should we compare?
  • Which nerve, dental, functional and appearance risks should I consider?
  • What multidisciplinary follow-up will be needed?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

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