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Northwest Oral Surgeons

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Location

Located inside the St. Luke’s building near the local urgent care facility.

Located inside the St. Luke’s building near the urgent care facility.

636-978-6967

Impacted Canine Treatment in O’Fallon, MO

An impacted canine is a canine tooth that has not erupted into its expected position. Because these teeth are important to the bite and smile, an orthodontist may recommend guiding the tooth into place rather than removing it.
Dr. Maryann L. Udy works with the orthodontist to review the tooth’s position, surgically expose it, and place an attachment when needed. The orthodontist then guides the tooth gradually into the dental arch.
636-978-6967
Patient viewing her smile during a dental implant or oral surgery consultation

Why Do Canine Teeth Become Impacted?

Upper canines follow a long path before they erupt. A canine can become blocked by another tooth, remain high in the jaw, develop in an unusual direction, or lack enough space to enter the arch. Many are discovered on orthodontic imaging before they cause symptoms.
Treatment planning considers age, tooth position, nearby roots, available space, and the likelihood that the tooth can be moved successfully. The orthodontist and oral surgeon use the same records to coordinate the sequence.

How Surgical Exposure Supports Orthodontic Treatment

Before surgery, the orthodontist typically creates or confirms space for the canine and determines the direction in which it should move. Dr. Udy then exposes the tooth through the gum tissue. In many cases, a small orthodontic attachment and chain are secured to the tooth.

The procedure does not move the canine into its final position. After the site begins healing, the orthodontist applies controlled traction over time. The surgical technique varies with the tooth’s location, including whether it lies toward the palate or the front of the arch.

636-978-6967

Caring for the Surgical Site and Attachment

Our office provides instructions for cleaning the area, protecting the attachment, eating, medication, and activity. Call us if the chain appears displaced, bleeding does not improve as directed, swelling or drainage develops, or you have questions about healing.

Keep appointments with both offices. Northwest Oral Surgeons monitors the surgical site during early healing, while the orthodontist adjusts the appliances and guides the tooth. Keeping both offices informed helps treatment stay on track.

Frequently Asked Questions About Impacted Canines

No. Both can remain trapped beneath tissue or bone, but an impacted canine is often preserved and guided into the arch because of its role in the bite. Wisdom teeth are more commonly removed when treatment is indicated.
No. Surgery exposes the tooth and may place an attachment. The orthodontist moves the tooth gradually during later visits.
Often, yes. Orthodontic appliances usually create space and provide the system used to guide the tooth. Your orthodontist and Dr. Udy will confirm the sequence.
Call Northwest Oral Surgeons and your orthodontist. Do not pull on or attempt to reposition the attachment yourself.

Coordinate Care With Your Orthodontist

Call Northwest Oral Surgeons at 636-978-6967 if your orthodontist has recommended surgical exposure. Our team will review the referral and coordinate the next step.
Call: 636-978-6967