Impacted Canine Exposure

Impacted teeth are a common situation, and we have helped many patients just like you. An impacted tooth simply means it is “stuck” beneath the gum and cannot come in on its own. Our caring team is here to help guide that tooth into its proper place, ensuring a healthy and beautiful smile for the future.

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Why Early Treatment Matters

Your canine teeth—the pointed ones near the front corners of your mouth—are important. They play an essential role in your bite and the overall balance of your face. Sometimes, these teeth get blocked, and don’t erupt properly.

If left untreated, an impacted canine can damage the roots of neighboring teeth or cause cysts. Addressing this early is the best way to avoid these complications. By exposing the tooth now, we can work with your orthodontist to gently guide it into position, protecting your long-term oral health.

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Why Choose Our Southwest Oral Surgery

You deserve to feel confident in the hands of your care team. To make sure your treatment is seamless in coordinated, we’ll work closely with your orthodontist. Our surgeons are highly experienced in this impacted canine exposure and use leading-edge imaging to plan every step with precision.

Above all, we focus on your comfort. We use minimally invasive techniques to make the process as smooth as possible. From our clear explanations to our gentle approach, we are here to support you and ensure a successful outcome.

What to Expect: Consultation to Recovery

We believe that knowing what to expect can help ease any anxiety you might feel. Here is what the journey looks like:

  • Consultation & Imaging: We start by taking advanced scans to see exactly where the tooth is hiding. This allows us to plan the safest path for it to come down. We will also talk with your orthodontist to make sure the timing is just right for your braces.
  • The Procedure: To make sure you’re as comfortable as possible, we offer local anesthesia or IV sedation to help you relax. During the short procedure, we’ll carefully make a small opening in the gum to expose the tooth. We may attach a small bracket and chain, which your orthodontist will use to gently guide the tooth into place over time.
  • Recovery & Aftercare: Most patients are surprised by how manageable the recovery is. You may have some mild swelling or soreness for a day or two, but this is normal. We will provide simple instructions to help you heal quickly. Most people are able to return to school or work within a few days.
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Schedule Your Consultation

Your orthodontist has a plan for your smile, and we are here to help make it possible. We’re here to make the surgical part of your journey as stress-free and positive as we can. Let us answer your questions and get you on the path to a healthy, complete smile.

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Common Questions

We know you want to make the best decision for your health. Here are answers to some questions we hear often.

In most cases, we do not recommend leaving an impacted canine untreated. Having healthy canine teeth is important for a balanced bite. If they stay stuck in the jaw, they can cause damage to the roots of healthy teeth nearby or lead to other problems like cysts. Treating it now helps prevent more complex issues later.

The procedure itself is usually quite quick. It typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour. However, the process of the tooth moving into its final position happens gradually over several months with the help of your orthodontist.

The cost can vary depending on your specific situation and insurance coverage. Our team will go over all the costs with you upfront and help you understand your insurance benefits so you can plan with confidence.

Meet Your Care Team

Expert Surgeons, Compassionate Hearts

Our surgeons are more than just highly trained experts; they are dedicated caregivers who truly want the best for you.

Dr. Robert J. Buch, DDS, MD

Dr. Buch holds degrees in both dentistry and medicine, which helps him provide you with the safest and most comprehensive care possible. He is passionate about solving complex dental problems and uses his advanced training to help you smile with confidence again.

Meet Dr. Buch