A Parent’s Guide to Impacted Canine Treatment in Richmond, VA
When your child has an impacted canine tooth, it can be a bit overwhelming at first. It’s important to understand why impacted canines occur and what dental treatments are available for impacted canine exposure in the Richmond, VA area. Below you will find a guide on helpful information on exposure-and-bond canine surgery and reassuring answers to your questions.
Are Canine Teeth Important?
Canine teeth, aka ‘eye teeth,’ are essential players in your child’s bite. Canines support the lips, properly align the teeth, and help create a healthy, balanced smile. Canine teeth have long roots, and those roots contribute to a healthy, strong jawbone. When a canine is impacted, it means the tooth cannot erupt naturally and may require surgical intervention to facilitate its eruption.
Why Is My Child’s Canine Impacted?
Every child is different, and the same applies to the reason their canines become impacted. There are a few common factors that can contribute to an impacted canine tooth.
- When there’s overcrowding, there might not be enough room for the canine tooth to erupt.
- Genetics can play a role in impacted teeth.
- Some kids may lose their baby teeth very early or very late, both of which can contribute to impacted canines.
- Sometimes, the tooth can become out of position inside the gums, making it difficult for it to erupt naturally.
- Extra teeth can also impede the eruption of teeth, in essence, blocking the path of the canine tooth.
Your child’s oral surgeon for impacted canines in Richmond can evaluate the impaction and develop a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs.
How Does Expose and Bond Canine Surgery Work?
Exposing and bonding canine surgery is the most common treatment for impacted canines. Your oral surgeon will gently expose the affected tooth and attach an orthodontic bracket and chain. This attachment will be adjusted over time to guide the tooth into its proper position.
What Is the Recovery Like for Tooth Exposure Surgery?
Most kids recover quickly and can return to school within a day or two. Mild swelling can happen for the first few days. To manage the discomfort, over-the-counter medications or pain relievers work well. Pay attention to instructions from your oral surgeon on keeping the area clean and diet changes, which may include soft foods for a short period of time. Your orthodontist will follow up with you to adjust the bracket and chain.
Why Choose Commonwealth Oral & Facial Surgery?
Our specialty is managing impacted teeth professionally and with compassion, using the most advanced surgical techniques. Close collaboration with local orthodontists ensures a seamless process in guiding your child’s impacted tooth into place. Give our Richmond office a call today to schedule your child’s consultation.