Impacted Canine Tooth Removal in St. Augustine, FL

Specialized surgical care for unerupted and misaligned canine teeth with orthodontic coordination

Discovering an impacted canine tooth can be concerning, especially when it disrupts dental development or causes discomfort. Canine impaction occurs when these essential teeth fail to emerge properly into the dental arch and remain partially or completely embedded in the jawbone. This common orthodontic issue affects many patients. However, there are options to help resolve the issue and any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing.

At St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center, we specialize in addressing complex dental conditions like impacted canines through expert surgical intervention. Our experienced team understands the importance of these teeth for both function and aesthetics, working collaboratively with your orthodontist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Our AAAHC-accredited facility ensures you receive the highest quality care in a comfortable environment.

What Causes Canine Impaction?

Canine teeth play a critical role in your bite and facial structure. These strong teeth guide your dental arch into proper alignment and contribute significantly to your smile’s appearance. When canines become impacted, several factors may be responsible:

Overcrowding in the dental arch leaving insufficient space for eruption
Early loss of primary teeth disrupting the eruption pathway
Abnormal growth or positioning of the tooth bud
Presence of extra teeth blocking the eruption path
Unusual growths or cysts that prevent normal tooth movement
Genetic predisposition to dental development issues

Identifying impaction early allows for more conservative treatment approaches. Our team of dental professionals can typically discover impacted canines during routine examinations or orthodontic evaluations, often with patients as young as eleven, when these teeth should naturally emerge.

Diagnosis and Treatment Planning for Impacted Canines

Properly diagnosing an impacted canine requires thorough examination and imaging. The process involves several key steps to determine the exact position of the tooth and develop an effective treatment strategy. These steps include the following:

Comprehensive Examination

We will begin the process of addressing your impacted canine removal with a detailed clinical evaluation of your dentition, examining the dental ridge for signs of the canine’s position. Often, we can feel a bulge in the gum tissue where the tooth remains impacted. We will also assess neighboring teeth for potential displacement or root damage caused by the impacted tooth’s pressure.

Advanced Imaging

Precise imaging is essential for treatment planning. We utilize panoramic X-rays to visualize the entire dentition and identify the impacted tooth’s general position. For more complex cases, we may recommend cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, which provide detailed 3D images showing the exact tooth position, orientation, and relationship to surrounding structures.

Collaborative Approach

Treatment for impacted canines often involves coordination between specialists. We work closely with your orthodontist to develop a synchronized plan that may include creating space in the dental arch before surgical intervention and planning for post-surgical orthodontic guidance of the exposed tooth.

If you have questions about the process of treating impacted canines, contact our office today!

Dr. Douglas L. Johnson, DMD

With over 25 years of specialized experience, Dr. Johnson provides exceptional care using the latest techniques and technology.

Dr. Johnson is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who completed his education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and advanced training through fellowships at prestigious institutions. His extensive training and experience allow him to perform complex procedures with precision and care.

At our state-of-the-art facility, we prioritize your comfort and results. Dr. Johnson and his specially trained staff are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care in a welcoming environment.

What Are Surgical Techniques for Impacted Canine Removal?

The surgical approach for addressing impacted canines depends on several factors, including the tooth’s position, age of the patient, and whether the goal is removal or facilitated eruption. At St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center, we perform these procedures under appropriate anesthesia to ensure your comfort.

For impacted canines that cannot be saved, complete surgical removal may be necessary. This approach is typically considered when the following is true of your case:

The impaction is severe with unfavorable positioning
Significant pathology surrounds the tooth
The tooth has fused to the bone
Previous attempts at orthodontic eruption have failed
The impacted tooth threatens adjacent tooth structures

The removal procedure involves carefully accessing the impacted tooth through the gum tissue, removing any bone covering the tooth, and extracting it with minimal disruption to surrounding structures. We then place sutures to promote proper healing and tissue regeneration.

Our Reviews

Why Patients Choose Us

Care and Commitment

From the front office to the exam room, our practice is made up of professionals who take your oral health very seriously. Using state-of-the-art equipment designed with safety and efficiency in mind, we are able to offer top-notch care. As you walk through our office, you will notice that everything is clean, comfortable and thoroughly sterilized. Your safety and comfort are our priority.

Honesty and Affordability

We know that the cost of care can be confusing. In addition to offering a number of in-office payment options to fit your budget, we also give you up-front cost information on your treatment ahead of time. We are in network with a variety of insurance plans, and we offer dental financing with credit available in time frames that fit your needs. We are happy to help you navigate your dental insurance and alternative payment options.

Comprehensive Oral Surgery Care in One Location

At our practice, we are qualified to handle all aspects of your oral and maxillofacial care, so you are always surrounded by people that you trust. If we must refer out, we promise to send you to carefully vetted colleagues who apply the same professional principles in their office that we do in ours.

Choose St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center For Your Impacted Canine Removal

At St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center, we bring specialized expertise to every procedure we perform. Our team combines extensive training in oral and maxillofacial surgery with a commitment to compassionate patient care. We understand that dental procedures can cause anxiety, which is why we offer IV sedation for your comfort during impacted canine treatment.

Our practice features state-of-the-art technology and a dedicated team of certified surgical assistants and a registered APRN who work together to ensure optimal outcomes for every patient. We take pride in our commitment to exceptional care, from your initial consultation through your complete recovery. If you’re experiencing issues with impacted canines or require any oral surgical procedure in the St. Augustine area, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Contact our office at (904) 460-0505 or fill out our online form to take the first step toward resolving your dental concerns with confidence.

Visit Us in St. Augustine

St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center is ideally situated at 1301 Plantation Island Dr. Suite #101, St. Augustine, FL 32080, making us easily accessible for patients throughout St. Augustine and surrounding communities.