Impacted canine treatment
The upper canines are the long pointed teeth at the corners of the smile. Sometimes an adult canine does not come through and stays buried in the bone, often lying on its side, while the baby canine stays in place. This is called an impacted canine. The usual treatment combines orthodontics and a small surgical procedure: braces make room, the buried tooth is uncovered and a small bracket with a fine chain is attached, and the braces then draw the tooth gently down into line over several months. At Suman Dental Care the orthodontic part is planned and carried out by Dr. Aashka Doshi, an orthodontist (MDS, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics).
Step by step
- Find. X-rays show where the canine lies in the bone, often tilted against the roots of the front teeth.
- Make room. Braces open a space; the baby canine is removed if advised.
- Expose. A small opening in the gum lets a bracket with a fine chain be attached to the canine.
- Guide. The chain is tightened at each visit, drawing the canine down into line over months.
- 1Find the canine
The orthodontist examines the teeth and takes X-rays to find exactly where the canine lies. A 3D scan may be advised to plan the safest route; you will be told where to have it taken.
- 2Make room
Braces are fitted to open a space for the canine. The baby canine is removed if the orthodontist advises it.
- 3Expose the canine
Under local anaesthetic, a small opening is made in the gum over the canine. A small bracket with a fine gold chain is bonded to the tooth, and the gum is closed or left with a small window, depending on the tooth's position.
- 4Draw it into line
At each visit the chain is tied to the brace wire and tightened a little. The canine moves slowly through the bone towards the gap, which commonly takes several months.
- 5Finish and retain
Once the canine is in place, the braces line it up with the other teeth. Retainers then hold the result.
- An adult canine that has not come through while the same tooth on the other side has
- A baby canine still in place long after the other baby teeth have been lost
- A canine seen on an X-ray lying in the wrong position in the bone
- Not every buried canine is brought into line: if the position makes it unlikely to move, the orthodontist may advise other options, such as removing it and closing or restoring the space
After the exposure procedure the area is numb for 2 to 4 hours. Soreness and mild swelling are common for a few days and settle with the pain relief your dentist advises. Eat soft food for the first day or two, and avoid the side of the procedure.
From the next day, rinse gently with warm salt water after meals and brush carefully around the area, leaving the chain alone. Teeth feel tender for 2–3 days after each tightening.
Call the clinic if bleeding does not stop with firm pressure, the swelling gets worse after day 3, or the chain comes loose. See the braces aftercare card.
- The canine may not move: occasionally the tooth is fused to the bone and cannot be brought down. Other options are then discussed.
- Neighbouring roots: a canine lying against the roots of the front teeth can shorten them; this is checked on X-rays during treatment.
- The chain can come loose, which may need a second small procedure to reattach it.
- Gum changes: the gum over the canine can end up slightly different from the other side.
- Treatment takes longer than braces alone, and depends on attending every review.
- Usual surgical risks: swelling, bleeding and infection, which are uncommon and treated if they happen.
What affects the cost
We don't publish prices online. After an examination you get a written estimate that lists each item.
Payment by card, cash or UPI.
Questions patients ask
Why do canines get stuck?
The upper canine has the longest path of any tooth to come through. If there is not enough room, or it starts in the wrong direction, it can stay buried. It often runs in families.
Will the exposure hurt?
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you feel pressure but not pain during it. Soreness for a few days afterwards is usual.
How long does it take for the canine to come down?
Commonly several months after the exposure, depending on how far and in which direction the tooth has to move. Your orthodontist gives an estimate at the plan visit.
Can the baby canine just be kept?
Sometimes a healthy baby canine can stay for years, but its roots are short and it is usually lost eventually. Your orthodontist explains the options for your teeth.
Can it be found early?
Yes. If an adult canine cannot be felt in the gum when expected, or one side comes through much later than the other, an orthodontic assessment helps. In some children, removing the baby canine early lets the adult tooth come through by itself.
Questions about this treatment?
Send a WhatsApp message or book an examination. The dentist explains the options before anything starts.