My Permanent Canine Teeth Never Erupted

Posted by AllSmiles

My permanent canine teeth never erupted, although I’m 22 years old. My former pediatric dentist told me not to worry about it because she could see the permanent teeth, but they were slow to erupt. I never lost the baby canine teeth, so I questioned how the permanent ones would come in. Do I need extractions and implants now? Kamille

Kamille,

Permanent canine teeth rarely fail to form. Dentists more commonly see missing lateral incisors, lower premolars, or wisdom teeth.

If you are 22 and your primary canine teeth are still present, your dentist should locate the permanent teeth before recommending treatment.

X-rays help determine the following about your permanent canine:

• Whether they developed normally
• Whether they are impacted beneath the gums
• Their exact position
• Whether they have enough room to erupt

Your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist who can help the impacted canines erupt successfully. The treatment depends on the tooth’s position and the severity of the blockage.

Many cases require a combination of minor oral surgery and orthodontics. Treatment may include:

• Opening the gum tissue to expose the impacted tooth
• Placing a bracket on the tooth
• Using braces to gently move the tooth into position

Sometimes the tooth erupts naturally after the surgeon exposes it.

Creating Enough Space for the Canine Teeth

Canine teeth are anchor teeth and strongly influence the appearance of your smile and bite. If the jaw does not have enough room for the canines, the orthodontist may need to create space.

In many cases, removing a first premolar allows the canine tooth to move into its proper position while maintaining a balanced bite.

Will You Need Dental Implants?

Your dentist and orthodontist can determine whether dental implants are necessary or if orthodontic treatment would help your canine teeth erupt. However, dental implants cannot replace baby canines if the permanent canines are hidden in the jawbone. The impacted teeth occupy the same area where a dentist or an oral surgeon would place the implants.

Chandler, Arizona, dentists Dr. William Walden and Dr. Tyrel Beavers sponsor this post. Read about what they do to provide some of the best dental care in Chandler.