Impacted Canine Exposure in Charleston, SC

Surgical Solutions to Guide Proper Tooth Eruption

Permanent canines play a crucial role in maintaining proper bite alignment, supporting the dental arch, and enhancing facial symmetry, but when these teeth become impacted—unable to erupt due to obstruction or misdirection—they can cause both functional and aesthetic issues. At Hehr Oral Surgery, we collaborate with orthodontists and general dentists to surgically expose impacted canines and facilitate their movement into the correct position, helping patients retain their natural teeth and minimize the need for more invasive orthodontic or restorative procedures in the future. We proudly provide this service to patients from Charleston, MacLaura Hall, Ladson, Hanahan, Summerville, St. George, Walterboro, Orangeburg, Santee, and Holly Hill—no referral necessary.

What Causes Canines to Become Impacted?

Impaction occurs when a tooth is blocked or misdirected, preventing it from breaking through the gums. Common causes include:

• Lack of space in the dental arch
• Baby teeth that haven’t fallen out on schedule
• Genetic factors influencing tooth development
• Misaligned adjacent teeth
• Cysts or unusual bone structure obstructing the path

Upper canines typically erupt around ages 11–13. If they are delayed or not palpable by this time, evaluation is strongly recommended.

Why Treating Impacted Canines Matters

Canines play a key role in guiding the bite and supporting the dental arch. Leaving an impacted tooth untreated can result in:

• Disruption of proper tooth alignment
• Resorption or damage to neighboring roots
• Jaw discomfort or asymmetry
• Unesthetic spacing or crowding
• Need for future extractions or prosthetics

Early diagnosis and surgical exposure of impacted canines often allows them to be moved into their proper position with orthodontic traction, preserving the patient’s natural tooth structure and overall oral health.

Canine Exposure Procedure: What to Expect

After diagnostic imaging, including a panoramic X-ray or 3D cone beam scan, Dr. R. Jason J. Hehr, DMD evaluates the position and depth of the impacted canine. The procedure is typically performed in collaboration with your orthodontist and includes the following steps:

1. Surgical Access – A small incision is made in the gum to uncover the impacted tooth
2. Attachment Placement – A bracket or gold chain is bonded to the tooth
3. Orthodontic Guidance – Over time, the orthodontist applies gentle traction to guide the tooth into place

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia or I.V. sedation, depending on the complexity and patient preference. Recovery is quick, and most patients return to normal routines within a few days.

Who Needs This Procedure?

This treatment is most often recommended for:

• Adolescents undergoing orthodontic care
• Individuals whose canines have not erupted past the expected age
• Patients whose imaging reveals abnormal tooth positioning
• Those experiencing symptoms such as swelling or retained baby teeth

Prompt action during the teenage years provides the best chance of successful tooth eruption and proper alignment.