Impacted Canine Exposure
Sometimes a tooth just doesn’t come in the way it should. Impacted canines are more common than most people realize, and with the right care, they’re very treatable. Our team works closely with your orthodontist to help guide the tooth safely into place.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Your canine teeth do a lot of important work. They structure your bite, support your facial structure, and anchor the rest of your smile. When one gets stuck beneath the gumline, it doesn’t just stay put — it can put pressure on neighboring teeth, throw off an orthodontic treatment plan, and become harder to address the longer it’s left alone.
Treating an impacted canine early gives the tooth a much better chance of erupting naturally into the correct position. It also simplifies the overall process for you and your orthodontist.
Why Choose Our Oral Surgery Team
We work alongside your orthodontist as a collaborative part of your care. Our surgeons use advanced imaging to locate the tooth precisely and plan a surgical approach that’s as minimally invasive as possible. From your first visit to your last post-op check, we keep communication clear and make sure you know exactly what’s happening at every stage.
Your surgeon will always review your full situation before recommending an extraction, and alternatives will be discussed if they exist.
What to Expect: Consultation to Recovery
Consultation & Imaging: We start by getting a complete picture. Advanced scans help us locate the tooth and determine the best approach. We also connect directly with your orthodontist to make sure the timing and plan are aligned before any procedure takes place.
The Procedure: The surgery is performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation. A small opening is made in the gum tissue to expose the impacted tooth, and in most cases, a small bracket or chain is attached to help guide it into the correct position over time with the help of your orthodontist.
Recovery & Aftercare: Most patients experience mild soreness and some swelling for a day or two. The majority are back to school or work within a few days. We’ll send you home with clear post-operative instructions, and we’re always available if questions come up during healing.
Why Choose Oklahoma Dental Implants & Oral Surgery
If your orthodontist has recommended canine exposure, we’re here to make the surgical side of things straightforward. We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and coordinate with your orthodontic team, so your care stays on track.
Common Questions About Impacted Canines
It’s not something we’d recommend. An untreated impacted canine can cause real problems over time — including damage to the roots of nearby teeth, cyst formation, and complications for any future orthodontic or dental work. In some cases, leaving it untreated long enough may mean the tooth can no longer be saved and will need to be removed instead. Early intervention is almost always the better path.
The surgical procedure itself is typically completed in under an hour. After that, your orthodontist takes over, using a bracket and wire to gradually guide the tooth into its proper position. That process can take anywhere from several months to over a year depending on where the tooth is and how your mouth responds. Your care team will give you a realistic timeline once your imaging has been reviewed.
Cost varies based on the complexity of the case and the type of anesthesia used. Many insurance plans do provide coverage for impacted canine exposure, particularly when it’s part of a coordinated orthodontic treatment plan. Our team is happy to help you look into your coverage and talk through any financing options that might help.
Meet the Surgeons
Behind Your Care
Our doctors bring together decades of training, broad surgical expertise, and a deep commitment to the communities they serve.
