Impacted Canine Teeth: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Canine teeth, sometimes called eye teeth, play an important role in biting, chewing, and keeping your smile aligned. Occasionally, however, a canine fails to erupt on time or gets stuck under the gum or bone. This is known as an impacted canine, and it is one of the more common tooth eruption problems we see at our Gurugram clinic and among families visiting us from Malviya Nagar, Delhi. This article explains why it happens, how we diagnose it, and what treatment options are available.
Why Canine Teeth Become Impacted
Upper canines usually erupt between ages 11 and 13, following a long path from high in the jaw down into the arch. Because this path is long, canines are more prone to getting blocked or misdirected than other teeth. Common reasons include:
- Insufficient space: A crowded jaw does not leave enough room for the canine to move into its correct position.
- Early loss of baby teeth: Losing the baby canine too soon can cause nearby teeth to drift and block the path of the permanent tooth.
- Abnormal tooth position: The developing canine may be angled incorrectly within the jawbone from the start.
- Extra teeth or cysts: Supernumerary teeth or a cyst around the tooth can physically obstruct eruption.
- Genetics: A family history of impacted teeth increases the likelihood in children.
Signs Parents and Adults Should Watch For
Impacted canines are not always painful, which is why many cases are picked up during a routine check-up rather than because of symptoms. Still, some signs are worth noting:
- A baby canine that has not fallen out by the expected age
- A gap where the adult canine should be, with no sign of it emerging
- A noticeable bump or hard swelling in the gum above or below the expected tooth position
- Adjacent teeth tilting or shifting out of alignment
How Impacted Canines Are Diagnosed
Diagnosis starts with a clinical examination of the gums and bite, followed by imaging to understand exactly where the tooth is positioned. This usually includes:
- Dental X-rays (OPG): Gives an overview of tooth positions and development across both jaws.
- CBCT scan: A 3D scan that shows the precise angle and depth of the impacted tooth, and its relationship to nearby roots and nerves. This is especially useful for planning surgery.
Based on these findings, the dentist can determine whether the canine can be guided into place, needs surgical help, or in rare cases should be removed.
Treatment Options for Impacted Canines
1. Monitoring
If the canine is only mildly delayed and there is enough space in the arch, the dentist may simply monitor its progress with periodic X-rays before deciding on further action.
2. Space Creation with Orthodontics
If crowding is blocking the tooth's path, braces or clear aligners may first be used to create room. In some children, this alone allows the canine to erupt naturally.
3. Surgical Exposure and Orthodontic Guidance
This is the most common approach for a truly impacted canine. A small surgical procedure exposes the crown of the tooth under the gum, and a tiny bracket or chain is attached to it. This is then connected to braces, and the tooth is gently pulled into its correct position over time. The surgery is done under local anaesthesia and is generally well tolerated.
4. Extraction
In cases where the canine is severely impacted, ankylosed (fused to the bone), or causing damage to neighbouring roots, removal may be recommended. A prosthetic replacement or orthodontic space closure can then restore appearance and function.
| Treatment | Typical Range (INR) |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic CBCT scan | 2,500 - 6,000 |
| Surgical exposure of impacted canine | 8,000 - 20,000 |
| Orthodontic treatment (braces/aligners, full course) | 30,000 - 1,20,000 |
| Extraction of impacted canine | 4,000 - 12,000 |
These are typical ranges for patients in Gurugram and Malviya Nagar, Delhi, and the final cost depends on complexity, imaging needs, and the length of orthodontic treatment required. Your dentist will confirm exact costs after examination.
Why Timely Treatment Matters
Addressing an impacted canine early, ideally in the early teenage years, generally means simpler treatment and better outcomes. Waiting too long can allow the tooth to fuse with the bone, damage neighbouring roots, or shift other teeth out of alignment, all of which make treatment more involved. A dental check-up combined with an X-ray around age 10 to 12 is one of the simplest ways to catch this early.
Have questions about your teeth?
Esthetica International Clinique · 95P, Sector 47, Gurugram
Frequently asked questions
At what age should an impacted canine be checked?
Most dentists recommend checking by age 10 to 12, since this is when canines normally erupt. Early diagnosis gives more treatment options.
Can an impacted canine be left untreated?
Sometimes, if it causes no pain, damage to nearby roots, or cyst formation, a dentist may monitor it. But untreated impaction can harm neighbouring teeth over time, so regular review is important.
Is surgery for an impacted canine painful?
The procedure is done under local anaesthesia and most patients report mild discomfort afterward, managed with regular painkillers and cold compresses.
How long does orthodontic treatment take after canine exposure surgery?
It varies by case, but guiding an exposed canine into position typically takes several months to over a year, depending on how far the tooth needs to travel.
Treatment costs mentioned on this page are indicative ranges for the Gurugram & Malviya Nagar, Delhi region. Your exact cost depends on your case and will be confirmed after a clinical examination at the clinic.