ImpactedCanine SurgeryHarley Street

An impacted canine tooth is stuck or ‘impacted’, preventing it from growing through properly.

Everyone should have 4 permanent canine teeth. The upper canines usually come through in the mouth between the ages of 11 and 13 years.

Sometimes either one or both of these teeth can develop in the wrong place or end up getting stuck or ‘impacted’ against the roots of teeth either side of it.

This may damage the nearby teeth. Often the canine tooth can be impacted in the roof of the mouth (palate) behind the front teeth. The canine tooth is an important tooth. If it is in a suitable position it can be brought into the line by orthodontic treatment such as braces. This would involve exposing or uncovering the tooth as well as orthodontic treatment, which may take approximately 2 ½ years to complete.

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Canine tooth surgery is a minor operation usually carried out under general anaesthetic – you will be asleep throughout the operation. Sometimes the operation is done under local anaesthetic to numb the area. The operation takes between 30-60 minutes and you will normally go home on the same day.

Once you are asleep or when the area is numb, the surgeon will remove a small piece of gum and bone to uncover the tooth.

Once your canine tooth is uncovered there are 3 options. Your surgeon will discuss them with you.

Bracket and Chain
An orthodontic bracket is glued to the tooth. Attached to it is a small length of gold chain, which can be secured to the gum with a stitch, or one of your teeth. Sometimes the gold chain dangles down, do not worry.

Cover Plate (Brace)
To prevent the gum from growing back over the tooth, a simple removable brace may be made for you. Sometimes a gum dressing can be placed inside the brace. We will show you how to remove and replace the brace before you leave the hospital. It will stay in place for 7-10 days.

Gauze Pack
Sometimes gauze dressing is stitched to the gum to help with healing. The wound is then closed with dissolving stitches. If you have a dressing, it needs to stay in place for 7-10 days. Care must be taken not to dislodge the pack. If this occurs please call the surgeon immediately. Your surgeon or orthodontist will remove it at your next appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks and side effects of the surgery?

Bleeding in the first 1-24 hours is common but it should be minor. You should expect discomfort for 2-3 days, which can be controlled with ‘over the counter’ medication. If infection occurs, it will develop 2-5 days after the operation. Serious problems caused by general anaesthesia are very rare if you are healthy.

What are the alternatives?

The alternatives for impacted canine teeth include no orthodontic treatment, which would mean leaving the tooth in the position it is. Removal of the tooth if the orthodontic treatment is not possible.

How will I feel after the surgery?

Some areas of the mouth may be numb when you wake up. Most people have some soreness, which lasts for a few days. You may need to take some painkillers to help with this. Some people may have a small amount of bleeding and taste of blood in their mouth for a day or two. The area will feel swollen and you may have to eat soft food for a couple of days. After the surgery you must rest. The stitches will dissolve in 2-4 weeks.

How do I look after my mouth?

Bracket and Chain (gauze)
Teeth should be cleaned as usual twice daily with a small-headed soft toothbrush. You should keep your mouth as clean as possible using either mouthwash (Corsodyl) or warm salty mouthwash for one week. This should NOT be done on the day of the surgery.

Cover plate (brace)
If you are given a cover plate to wear you should not take it out for 48 hours. After 48 hours remove it and clean it with a toothbrush. The cover plate should from now on be cleaned twice a day.

The rest of your teeth should be cleaned with a small-headed soft toothbrush twice a day. Please use a mouthwash such as Chlorhexidine or warm salty mouthwash for a week.

What happens next?

Please continue to make regular appointments with your orthodontist so that they can continue with aligning your canine teeth.

What if there is an emergency?

If you have any emergencies to do with the surgery then please contact your canine tooth surgeon as soon as possible. If there are any issues with your orthodontic brace then please call our Harley Street, London practice urgently on 0207 487 2711.

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