What is a Canine Exposure?
By Menachem Roth | Published on January 10, 2010 | 0 Comments
Canine exposure does not mean leaving your dog outside for too long. It means cutting a hole in the gum to expose an impacted canine tooth, or an impacted third molar or wisdom tooth, and then guiding the tooth into its right position, says Dr. Menachem Roth of Carvalho and Roth Orthodonticsin Newton Centre, Marlborough, and Northborough, Massachusetts.
What is an impacted tooth? A tooth that is stuck in the bone or gum tissue and will not erupt into the mouth without some type of assistance, or one which has not erupted into the mouth. The most common teeth to have this are wisdom teeth, or third molars, and canines, upper canines in particular. Upper canines are critical teeth for function as well as aesthetics. And as such your orthodontist will try to bring these teeth into the mouth.
Depending on the severity and the position of the impacted tooth, the orthodontist may recommend what is known as a “surgical exposure.” This process involves cutting a small window in the gum tissue in order to expose or reveal the tooth. Then a brace can be bonded, and using a gold chain or elastics, the tooth can then be guided into its ideal position.
Guiding the Canine Into the Arch
Depending on the position of these impacted canines, there can be root resorption, meaning that they can potentially damage the roots of the adjacent teeth. Studies have shown that when a canine appears impacted on an x-ray, early removal of the baby tooth may help naturally guide the canine into the arch, thus preventing the need for canine exposure.
This is a reason that orthodontists do like to take x-rays on an initial visit. That way, they can check that all the adult teeth are in their correct locations in their bone, and evaluate any potentially impacted teeth.
Adult Impactions
Oftentimes, when there is an impacted canine, the baby tooth can remain in place. Sometimes adults who have not been evaluated for orthodontic treatment may notice that they have a loose tooth, or that a tooth falls out. This will often spark a visit to us, or cause them to seek an orthodontic evaluation, and then they find that they have an impacted tooth.
Impacted canines can be exposed and tempted to be brought in to the dental arch as adults, but it is less predictable than it is with children. Because of that, sometimes the decision is made to extract the impacted tooth or leave it in place long term, and not attempt to expose it and bring it into the arch.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.