Canine Exposure in Cypress, TX

Why Do Canines Become Impacted?

Canines are essential for the proper alignment and functioning of the oral cavity. Because they are a part of the front teeth, they are also crucial for ideal smile aesthetics. If they fail to erupt correctly, it can disrupt overall oral wellness. Common indications that may necessitate the need for canine exposure in Cypress, TX, include the following:

• Narrow arch: In some patients, the maxillary arch is too narrow to accommodate all teeth in perfect alignment, which may cause canine impaction.
• Extra teeth: If there are extra or supernumerary teeth present at the front, they may disrupt the normal eruption of canines.
• Overlapping teeth: Misalignment or overcrowding of front teeth is common and may cause partial or full impaction of one or both canines.
• Abnormal growths: A tumor, dental abscess, cyst or any unusual growth in the upper arch may block the eruption path of canines.

How Is Canine Exposure Carried Out in Cypress, TX?

Our dental professionals will first perform a clinical and radiographic evaluation to determine the placement of the impacted canine. It also helps us to decide whether you would benefit from an open or closed surgery.

During open canine exposure in Cypress, TX, we gently lift the tissues overlying the impacted canine to gain access. We may remove excess tissue and bone around the canine to facilitate its exposure. After the surgery, we will place a healing pack over the tooth and secure it with stitches. The pack and stitches can be easily removed in a follow-up appointment 1 week after the surgery.

Closed canine exposure has a similar technique, but after exposing the canine, we bond a gold bracket to the tooth. The bracket is attached to a chain that connects with the adjacent teeth or an orthodontic archwire. It slowly brings out the canine in its normal position.

Is Canine Exposure Painful?

We perform canine exposure in Cypress, TX, under local anesthesia. Many patients with dental anxiety opt for additional sedation anesthesia to minimize discomfort during surgery. As long as the effect of anesthesia lasts, you will not feel any pain. However, you may experience slight pain or tenderness at the surgical site a few hours later. For this reason, we prescribe medications and provide detailed post-op guidelines to ease the recovery period.