Overview
When a tooth is trapped in the gums or bone and is unable to erupt into the mouth properly, it is said to be impacted. While any tooth can be impacted, the upper canines (commonly referred to as “eye teeth” or “cuspids”) are the second most likely tooth in the mouth to be stuck in the jaw, just behind wisdom teeth. The canines are the pointed teeth in the front of the mouth that help frame the smile. But they are also important to oral function, play a key role in your bite, and help to keep the teeth and jaws aligned. Drs. Stephen DeMarco, Diego Miron, and Luis Delgado of Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons offer specialized treatment for impacted canines and work closely with general dentists and orthodontists to meet the needs of Albany, NY patients. If you or your child may have a tooth impaction, please schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified oral surgeons to learn more about your treatment options.
Best Candidates
Upper canine teeth (or maxillary canines) typically erupt around age 13. The older a person becomes, the less likely an impacted canine will erupt on its own and the more likely it will require treatment. Causes of impacted canines may include tooth misalignment, overcrowding of the teeth, cysts or other growths, insufficient space in the arch, or supernumerary (extra) teeth in the jaw. The earlier tooth impaction is identified, the greater the chances of successfully helping the tooth emerge and perform its normal function. It is generally recommended that all Albany, NY patients have a diagnostic panoramic x-ray or 3D digital image taken by age seven to evaluate tooth eruption patterns, jaw development, visualize the positioning of unerupted permanent teeth, or screen for signs of potential tooth impaction.
What to Expect
At Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, our board-certified specialists will collaborate with your orthodontist or general dentist to determine the ideal treatment for impacted canines. This could include the extraction of teeth that may be preventing canine eruption, including retained primary (baby) teeth or supernumerary teeth. In some cases, we may make an incision in the gums to expose the surface of the canine. An orthodontic chain or bracket can then be attached to the tooth and used to gently guide its eruption into the proper place within the arch. For some patients, such as adults over the age of 40, leaving an impacted eye tooth that poses no immediate health risks may be the best course of care.
Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Reviews
Yesterday I visited the office for the final procedure of my implant, "journey." I arrived early, took a seat in the waiting area and my name was called almost immediately. I was escorted to the procedure room by a bright, cheerful nurse, who explained what would be happening this visit. I mentioned that I am an anxious person and I was calmed by their understanding of my anxiety, Their confidence assured me that this procedure would get done, that day. As a person who has struggled with anxiety and suffered from crippling panic attacks for decades, it was significant to feel that confidence from them. I had a very real concern that I would have a panic attack which would prevent the completion of the procedure that visit. As I reclined in the procedure room a second nurse, just as warm and upbeat as the first, entered the room, as well as the Doctor, and the procedure commenced. I can only estimate, heaven knows I'm no oral surgeon, that roughly 90% through the procedure, I felt my anxiety take hold and take over my body. Panic attacks are pretty paralyzing by nature and mine happen to be extremely physical. First I feel light headed, then all color leaves my face, then I break out in a full body sweat, followed by visible chills. The instant the color left my face, the doctor and nurses took action. The procedure was stopped. I was feeling helpless, scared, embarrassed, and guilty that I was taking time from these individuals and waiting patients. Then the swift, expert caregiving began. An ice pack was applied to the back of my neck, then another was applied to my forehead. (it's worth mentioning, an ice pack without a hand to hold it rarely stays. So I was single handedly monopolizing one nurse, who was kind enough to hold the ice pack against my head) I was given constant compassionate reassurance by the nurses and doctor that everything was alright. I was gently instructed to breathe slowly through my nose. My condition was not improving significantly, so a nurse handed me a cup of apple juice and encouraged me to sip. Slowly I sat up and not long after I felt my physically symptomatic panic take over, again. I gave only the slightest indication I was going down-hill and one of the two nurses reclined the chair I was in again. An I.V. was quickly and skillfully placed and fluids were administered. At this point I had two ice packs (one nurses' hand), oxygen and an I.V. A precarious position to be in for an individual deep into a panic attack. Some time passed and I was soothed by the cool collected casual conversation of the two attending nurses. The doctor said that he only had one quick thing to do before my procedure was completed, and I was happy to get that quick step over and done right then. The doctor took maybe 30 seconds to complete that last step and then that was done. Unfortunately, my anxiety was not. There was nothing more that could be done for my body to improve my condition. I needed something that cannot be packaged or sterilized, something that brings comfort to the soul... and that something was being in the presence of two of the most warm, caring, down to earth, hilarious, professional women I've ever had the pleasure of almost losing consciousness around. Brittany and Kaylee were a dream. Their lighthearted conversation distracted my anxious brain and their attentiveness to my condition made me feel safe. At no point did I feel rushed or that I was an inconvenience of any kind, something that, sadly, is incredibly rare in a medical practice. These two women are incredible, compassionate caregivers. They are a joy to be around. True treasures. I cannot possibly express my gratitude for the care and reassurance that I received from Brittany and Kaylee, but I thought I'd do my best to try.
Absolutely 100% ! A plus. 4.0. On every level. Dr. Diego Miron and associate professionals and complete Staff! And a big thank you for my Dentist Dr Walsh #1 for the referral!
The entire experience was excellent, all staff and Dr Delgado were the most professional I've ever met. They are the best!
Very friendly staff. Strongly recommended 👍👍👍
I’m incredibly thankful for Dr. Miron and his team for taking me in. I was in a lot of pain due to my wisdom teeth and they removed them that week. Great communication and professionalism, and they were very kind. Hope to be back to get further work done.
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Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
Recovery
Following impacted tooth treatment, our clinical team will provide you with instructions on how to care for your mouth as you heal. You may be instructed to return to your orthodontist or dentist for further treatment (such as adding a rubber band to an orthodontic chain or bracket) if canine exposure was the treatment you received. In cases of impacted canine extraction, you may be asked to avoid smoking, spitting, or drinking through a straw for a few days as your mouth begins to heal. Our Albany, NY oral surgeons may recommend that you schedule a follow-up visit at our practice so that we can monitor the area as it recovers.
Insurance Coverage
Treatment for impacted canines may be covered under some dental insurance plans. A member of our financial team will review your insurance benefits and provide you with a cost estimate for any portion that may not be covered. To help make out-of-pocket expenses more affordable for our patients, Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons is pleased to accept CareCredit® financing plans and a variety of other convenient payment options.
Impacted Canines
Treating impacted canine teeth can help ensure the best possible outcome for your or your child’s oral health, function, and smile. Our skilled oral surgeons have advanced training and extensive experience in performing tooth extractions and exposing impacted canines to facilitate proper tooth eruption. For more on treating impacted eye teeth, please schedule a consultation at Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in Albany, NY today.