If Caught Early
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child be evaluated by age seven. Early diagnosis means a more predictable surgical exposure and a faster orthodontic finish.
Oral Surgery
ImpactedTeeth
with Dr. Nathan Eberle
A two-phase exposure and bonding procedure that brings impacted canine teeth into the dental arch, working hand in hand with your orthodontist. Double board-certified care in a calm, kid-friendly surgical environment.
Overview
What Are Impacted Canines?
Around age 11 or 12, the canine teeth grow in. After wisdom teeth, the canines are the most likely teeth to become impacted, meaning they remain stuck beneath the gum line and never erupt into the dental arch on their own. Because canines anchor the bite and shape the smile, restoring them to their proper position is essential to long-term dental function.
The standard treatment is a two-phase procedure called exposure and bonding, in which an oral surgeon works hand in hand with an orthodontist to move the impacted canine into its place. Dr. Eberle performs this procedure regularly at Weston Center for Plastic Surgery.
The Causes
What Causes Canine Impaction?
Most canine teeth grow in without issue. When they don’t, the cause usually falls into one of four categories.
Retained Baby Teeth
Primary teeth that have not fallen out on schedule can block the permanent canine from descending into its proper place in the dental arch.
Excessive Dental Crowding
When there isn't enough room in the arch for the canine to erupt, the tooth becomes trapped beneath the gum line.
Abnormal Growths
Cysts, extra teeth, or other growths in the jawbone can physically obstruct the canine's natural eruption path.
Angled Development
Sometimes the canine simply develops at an off-axis angle within the jawbone, putting it on a path it cannot complete on its own.
Treatment
How Does the Exposure and Bonding Treatment Work?
Exposure and bonding is a two-phase procedure. Your orthodontist prepares the arch first; Dr. Eberle then surgically exposes the impacted tooth and bonds an orthodontic bracket so the canine can be guided into place over time.
Phase One
Surgical Exposure
Treatment begins with your orthodontist, who places braces to open up the dental arch and create the space the impacted canine will eventually occupy. Once that space is ready, you’re referred to our office.
Dr. Eberle then surgically exposes the impacted tooth by making a small incision through the gum or bone obstructing it. The exposure is performed under anesthesia, so there’s no pain during the procedure. Most patients return to school or work within a day or two.
Performed By
Your orthodontist, then Dr. Eberle for the surgical exposure.
What Happens
Braces create a space in the dental arch, then the gum or bone over the impacted tooth is incised to expose it.
Setting
Outpatient, in our certified in-office surgical suite.
Performed By
Dr. Eberle places the bracket, your orthodontist guides movement.
What Happens
A small orthodontic bracket and chain are bonded to the exposed tooth and used to gently guide it into position over time.
Timeline
Months of orthodontic guidance, calibrated to the depth of the impaction.
Phase Two
Orthodontic Guidance
Once the tooth is exposed, Dr. Eberle bonds a small orthodontic bracket directly to it and attaches a chain. Your orthodontist then uses that chain to apply gentle, sustained traction over a series of adjustments.
Over the following months, the canine is guided into its proper position in the dental arch. The end result looks and functions like any other naturally erupted tooth, with no visible sign that the canine was ever impacted.
Timing
Why Early Detection Matters
The younger the patient, the more predictable the outcome. Three possible paths, depending on when the impaction is found.
If Caught Later
Impacted canines treated in adulthood have lower success rates and longer treatment times. Surgery is still possible, but the tooth is harder to move.
If the Tooth Can't Be Saved
When exposure and bonding isn't viable, the impacted canine is extracted and the gap restored with a dental implant: a permanent, natural-looking replacement that preserves jawbone and bite alignment.
Request a Consultation
Plan the Path for the Tooth
If you or your child needs treatment for an impacted canine, Dr. Eberle will build a personalized plan and coordinate directly with your orthodontist. To speak with our team, call or text (954) 507-4540.
Our Procedures
Discover the full range of surgical and non-surgical treatments tailored to your goals.
