Impacted Canines

Expose and Bond: Treatment for Impacted Teeth

Fort Worth Oral Surgery delivers expert oral and maxillofacial care in a modern, patient-focused setting. With board-certified surgeons, we provide compassionate treatment and leading-edge technology for everything from wisdom teeth extraction to dental implants, jaw surgery, and facial trauma repair.

What Is an Impacted Tooth?

An impacted tooth is one that is blocked from erupting naturally into the dental arch. This is commonly associated with wisdom teeth, but it can also affect vital teeth such as the upper canines (or cuspids). These teeth are essential due to their role in guiding the bite and their deep-rooted, strong structure.

The upper canine teeth typically erupt around age 13, closing gaps between other teeth and helping align the bite. When these canines become impacted, they can cause oral health concerns and may require coordinated treatment between an orthodontist and oral surgeon.

How Do Impacted Canines Occur?

Roughly 60% of impacted canine teeth are located on the palatal (roof of mouth) side of the arch, while the rest are either stuck above adjacent roots or positioned facially. Causes may include overcrowding, over-retained baby teeth, or extra (supernumerary) teeth.

Why Early Detection Matters

Early recognition is crucial to successful treatment of impacted canines. General dentists and hygienists often detect the issue and refer patients to an orthodontist and oral surgeon for timely intervention.

By age 11–12, if space is made available and obstructions are cleared, the impacted canine may erupt naturally. However, by age 13–14, spontaneous eruption becomes unlikely without surgical assistance. For adults over 40, ankylosis (fusion to bone) may occur, requiring extraction and possible dental implants or bridges in place of the lost tooth.

Treatment: The Expose and Bond Procedure

When an impacted canine will not erupt on its own, the orthodontist and oral surgeon collaborate to guide it into position. Typically, braces are placed to create the necessary space, and then the patient is referred to Fort Worth Oral Surgery for surgical intervention.

During the outpatient procedure, the surgeon lifts the gum to expose the impacted tooth. Any baby tooth that remains will be removed. A small bracket is bonded to the exposed tooth, and a gold chain is attached. The chain is guided back to the orthodontic wire and secured. In select cases, especially with palatal placements, a window is created in the gum rather than suturing over the tooth.

After Surgery: Moving the Tooth into Place

Within 1–14 days, the patient visits the orthodontist again. A light pulling force is applied using rubber bands connected to the chain, encouraging the tooth to gradually erupt. This process can take up to a year but is designed to save the tooth rather than remove it.

Once the tooth is correctly positioned, gum tissue is evaluated for strength and health. In rare cases, soft-tissue grafting may be recommended to ensure long-term gum stability. Every situation is evaluated individually to ensure the best outcome.

What to Expect from the Procedure

The surgical exposure and bracketing of an impacted tooth is a standard and safe procedure performed in-office under local anesthesia or sedation. Post-operative symptoms are typically mild and include:

Minimal bleeding from the surgical site
Discomfort managed effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers
Limited swelling, usually managed with cold compresses
A short-term soft food diet, avoiding foods like chips or crackers that may irritate healing tissue

Follow-up takes place 7–10 days post-surgery to ensure proper healing. Contact with your orthodontist should follow shortly after to continue the eruption process.

Trust Fort Worth Oral Surgery for Expert Care

At Fort Worth Oral Surgery, we are proud to offer safe and efficient treatment options for impacted teeth and other complex oral health issues. We combine compassion with cutting-edge technology to provide patients with superior care and lasting outcomes.

Learn more about our services in impacted canine treatment and explore related topics such as dental implants and facial trauma recovery to make informed decisions about your oral health.

Your oral health deserves the best. Schedule an appointment today with our skilled and compassionate team at Fort Worth Oral Surgery to start your journey toward healthier, stronger teeth.

We proudly serve Fort Worth and the surrounding communities from our office at 4300 Oak Park Ln, Fort Worth, TX 76109.

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Monday – Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Read reviews and more at Fort Worth Oral Surgery’s Google Business Profile. Then, contact us to schedule.

As always, we are happy to answer your questions and have a doctor available after hours in case any problems should arise after surgery. Simply contact our office with any questions regarding impacted canines or to schedule a consultation.

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I have the worst fear of doing anything with my teeth. Dr. k and his staff really knew how to make me feel comfortable and assured me that I was in the right hands. I had the best experience here and it definitely changed the way I dental treatment in the future. Thank you to the staff that were professional, punctual and so very kind. And a big thank you to Dr. K for taking such great care of me!! Highly recommend!!

Britney Singleton

I always have a hard time with dentists. I hate the tools and most of the time, I feel as if the staff is constantly judging me but the staff here is amazing! I came in today(they fit me in within 2 days) for wisdom tooth removal after an infection. My jaw had been shifted, couldn’t eat, constantly in pain but they put me to sleep, pulled the two teeth, and walked me out to my car. All done within 15 minutes. I’m in no pain at all and even got a checkup text from Dr. Scheideman. I still have two more wisdom teeth to be pulled so I will DEFINITELY be using them again!

addie turner

Dr. Scheideman and his staff were fantastic! I had a wisdom tooth infection and horrible pain and my dentist referred me to FWOS. They were able to fit me in for a consult within 2 hours of my dentist calling, which was amazing. Yesterday I had all 4 wisdom teeth extracted. The nurse/tech (I think her name was Jennifer) was super friendly and confirmed all my information and put me at ease to prep me for surgery. Dr. Scheideman checked on me before we started and was very comforting. He even numbed the spot on my arm where the IV was placed so I literally felt no pain for the entire procedure. I woke up a little dizzy and numb but pain free. I was sent home with thorough instructions, pain medication, and aftercare supplies. Dr. Scheideman even texted me to check in on me the next day. I am shocked how little pain and swelling I've had, and I feel surprisingly good! Obviously I hope to never have oral surgery again but if I did I would run to FWOS. 10 of 10. Would recommend!

Lisa Deisinger2022-04-24

No nonsense, get er done dentist office made ya feel like everything will be OK, and they were right. Good job to all of you thank you. I will use yall for all my dentist stuff.

Shawn

I have have one tooth at a time pulled.A good thing I wear a mask when in public. Not working now so I can have teeth pulled over period of time. I have been tramatized and spent fortune on root canals, caps etc over many years. I am now 72 and have receding gums, caps falling off etc. I think God for Dr. Scheidleman. He is brilliant and he CARES about his patients.He is patient and gentle. I feel confident and I am not scared. Five more to pull then implants. Thank you Dr. Scheidleman and God Bless. His office team also 😃👍 great.

Brenda Joy

Initial interactions were professional and thorough, I had two extractions for implants. My bone structure was good so no need for a bone graft. Dr. ScheidimenExplained the process in simplistic terms. The whole process took about 30-40 minutes. Shawna, my nurse patiently answered all of my questions and concerns. This was a very positive procedure. I am grateful to the team.

Holly Witte2021-12-28

Would love to rate much much higher than 5 stars! From the second I was welcomed, I felt like family. Dr.Runyon and his staff, were more than accommodating to my needs. Got me in immediately (less than 24 hours) for wisdom teeth extraction. Dr. Runyon even called me the night of, during his personal time to check up on me. I had no swelling- and even went to work the next day! Thank you all for all of your hard work. It doesn’t go unnoticed. ♥️

Megan Swartz

Best experience I have had with dentist / oral surgeon. Dr. Kostohryz did a phenomenal job helping my dad with his teeth extraction.

Benjamin B2021-12-30

Dr. Kostohryz and all his staff are great Highly recommend! You'll be in great hands!

Marisa L.2022-03-31

Dr. Kostohryz is wonderful. He is so kind and it's obvious that he genuinely cares about his patients. His entire team was great. From check in to check out the service was excellent. Highly recommend FWOS.

Jennifer Bonds2022-02-03