Many people assume wisdom teeth are the only teeth that can become impacted, but canines can also fail to erupt properly. Impacted teeth can cause pain, misalignment, and infection, leading to concerns about when and how they should be treated. If you’re dealing with dental discomfort or have been told you have an impacted tooth, it’s natural to wonder which issue you’re facing and what to do about it. An oral surgeon in Fort Lauderdale can help determine the best course of action for your specific case.
Impacted Canines vs. Wisdom Teeth: What’s the Difference?
What Are Impacted Canines?
Canine teeth, also called cuspids or eyeteeth, are the pointed teeth near the front of your mouth. They are crucial for biting and guiding the alignment of surrounding teeth. If a canine tooth remains trapped beneath the gum or only partially erupts, it is considered impacted.
Common Causes of Impacted Canines:
Lack of space due to overcrowding
Abnormal tooth growth direction
Extra teeth blocking the path
Genetics and family history
Delayed eruption due to insufficient space
Improper positioning of adjacent teeth preventing proper growth
Symptoms of Impacted Canines:
A missing canine tooth that never erupted
Prolonged discomfort or pressure in the upper jaw
Swollen or red gums above the impacted tooth
Shifting teeth due to lack of proper canine guidance
Cysts or infections developing around the impacted area
Difficulty chewing or biting due to misalignment
Speech changes resulting from missing or impacted teeth
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last set of molars at the back of your mouth. They usually emerge in the late teens or early twenties. Because most jaws don’t have enough room for them, wisdom teeth often become impacted, meaning they get stuck under the gums or grow at an angle.
Common Causes of Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
Lack of jaw space
Abnormal growth angles
Partial eruption leading to gum flaps
Genetics and hereditary factors
Bone density preventing full emergence
Soft tissue blockage limiting proper growth
Symptoms of Impacted Wisdom Teeth:
Pain or swelling at the back of the mouth
Difficulty opening the jaw fully
Red or swollen gums around the molars
Frequent infections or cysts around the wisdom tooth
Pressure on surrounding teeth, leading to crowding
Bad breath or an unpleasant taste due to trapped food and bacteria
Persistent headaches or jaw pain from impacted wisdom teeth pressing on nerves
Why Do Impacted Canines and Wisdom Teeth Need Treatment?
Risks of Ignoring Impacted Teeth
While some impacted wisdom teeth may not cause immediate problems, they can lead to infections, cysts, or damage to adjacent teeth. Impacted canines, on the other hand, are essential for function and aesthetics, so leaving them untreated can lead to alignment issues and bite problems.
Long-term changes in facial structure due to shifting teeth
Treatment Options for Impacted Canines and Wisdom Teeth
How Are Impacted Canines Treated?
Unlike wisdom teeth, impacted canines are usually treated with the goal of bringing them into proper position rather than removing them.
Common Treatment Approaches:
Orthodontic Exposure: The impacted canine is surgically exposed, and a small bracket is attached to help guide it into place with braces.
Surgical Extraction: If the tooth is in a position where it cannot be guided, removal may be necessary.
Tooth Replacement: If the canine must be removed, options like implants or bridges can restore function and appearance.
Monitoring in Younger Patients: In some cases, early intervention through orthodontic treatment can create enough space for the canines to erupt naturally.
Palatal Expansion: Widening the upper jaw may create the space needed for the canines to emerge properly.
Most impacted wisdom teeth are removed, especially if they are causing pain or putting surrounding teeth at risk.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure:
Evaluation and X-Rays: The oral surgeon assesses the position of the wisdom teeth.
Surgical Extraction: The gum is opened, and the tooth is removed in sections if necessary.
Recovery: Patients may experience swelling and discomfort for a few days, but healing is usually quick.
Preventive Removal: In some cases, wisdom teeth are removed before they cause issues, especially in younger patients whose jaw structure cannot accommodate them.
Stitches and Healing: Some extractions require sutures that dissolve within days, helping to speed up the healing process.
Bone Grafting for Preservation: If extensive bone removal is necessary, a graft may help maintain jaw integrity.
Should You See an Oral Surgeon for Impacted Teeth?
Signs You Should Seek Treatment
Not all impacted teeth need immediate treatment, but if you are experiencing pain, swelling, or alignment concerns, an evaluation is recommended. Impacted canines and wisdom teeth can cause discomfort and oral health complications if left untreated.
When to See an Oral Surgeon:
If you experience ongoing pain or swelling
If your dentist notices impacted teeth in an X-ray
If your bite is being affected due to impacted canines
If your wisdom teeth are causing jaw discomfort or difficulty chewing
If neighboring teeth are shifting due to impaction pressure
If there is recurring inflammation in the gum tissue around partially erupted teeth
An oral surgeon can determine whether treatment is necessary and what approach is best for your dental health. Early diagnosis and intervention can make treatment less invasive and improve overall outcomes.
Looking for a Reliable Oral Surgeon in Fort Lauderdale?
Impacted canines and wisdom teeth can both cause discomfort, but they serve different functions and require different treatment approaches. Canines are essential for chewing and alignment, so they are usually preserved and guided into place, while wisdom teeth are often removed to prevent complications. If you’re dealing with an impacted tooth, our specialists at TLC Dental can help. Schedule a consultation today to find out the best treatment plan for your dental health.
