Impacted Canine Tooth Removal in St. Augustine, FL

Specialized surgical care for unerupted and misaligned canine teeth with orthodontic coordination

Proper management of impacted canines is crucial for long-term dental health and aesthetics. Expert surgical care makes all the difference in outcomes.

What Is an Impacted Canine Tooth?

An impacted canine tooth, sometimes called an eyetooth, is one that has failed to erupt properly into its normal position in the dental arch. Instead, it remains partially or completely encased in the jawbone or gum tissue, often displaced from its proper location. Canines are particularly prone to impaction, with the upper (maxillary) canines being the second most commonly impacted teeth after wisdom teeth.

Canine teeth play a crucial role in your bite function and facial aesthetics. These strong, pointed teeth guide your bite alignment and support the overall structure of your lips and face. Because of their functional and aesthetic importance, orthodontists and oral surgeons typically make every effort to preserve and properly position these teeth rather than simply extracting them when impacted.

Treatment for impacted canines generally falls into two categories: surgical exposure with orthodontic guidance or, when necessary, surgical removal. The appropriate approach depends on factors like the position of the impacted tooth, the patient’s age, overall dental health, and specific orthodontic considerations.

As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Johnson provides both services with the specialized expertise needed for optimal outcomes.

Dr. Douglas L. Johnson, DMD

With over 25 years of specialized experience, Dr. Johnson provides exceptional care using the latest techniques and technology.

Dr. Johnson is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who completed his education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and advanced training through fellowships at prestigious institutions. His extensive training and experience allow him to perform complex procedures with precision and care.

At our state-of-the-art facility, we prioritize your comfort and results. Dr. Johnson and his specially trained staff are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care in a welcoming environment.

Benefits of Specialized Impacted Canine Treatment

Specialized care for impacted canines offers significant advantages for both immediate results and long-term dental health. The primary benefit is the preservation and proper positioning of these critical teeth whenever possible. Canines provide essential support for your bite function and facial aesthetics, making their proper alignment important for both functional stability and appearance.

By working with an experienced surgeon like Dr. Johnson, patients maximize the chances of successful canine preservation and alignment.

The precision of specialized surgical approaches minimizes trauma to surrounding tissues while optimizing access for orthodontic treatment. This expertise is particularly important when dealing with canines impacted near other tooth roots or anatomical structures like the nasal cavity or sinuses. Dr. Johnson’s advanced training allows him to navigate these complex anatomical relationships safely, reducing the risk of complications while creating the most favorable conditions for orthodontic treatment.

For procedures involving surgical exposure and orthodontic guidance, a coordinated approach between surgeon and orthodontist is essential for success. Dr. Johnson works closely with referring orthodontists throughout the St. Augustine area, ensuring that surgical exposure techniques align perfectly with the planned orthodontic movement. This collaboration streamlines treatment, potentially reducing overall treatment time while enhancing final results.

Our Reviews

Why Patients Choose Us

Care and Commitment

From the front office to the exam room, our practice is made up of professionals who take your oral health very seriously. Using state-of-the-art equipment designed with safety and efficiency in mind, we are able to offer top-notch care. As you walk through our office, you will notice that everything is clean, comfortable and thoroughly sterilized. Your safety and comfort are our priority.

Honesty and Affordability

We know that the cost of care can be confusing. In addition to offering a number of in-office payment options to fit your budget, we also give you up-front cost information on your treatment ahead of time. We are in network with a variety of insurance plans, and we offer dental financing with credit available in time frames that fit your needs. We are happy to help you navigate your dental insurance and alternative payment options.

Comprehensive Oral Surgery Care in One Location

At our practice, we are qualified to handle all aspects of your oral and maxillofacial care, so you are always surrounded by people that you trust. If we must refer out, we promise to send you to carefully vetted colleagues who apply the same professional principles in their office that we do in ours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Causes Canine Tooth Impaction?

Canine impactions can result from several factors, including crowded teeth with insufficient space in the dental arch, early loss of baby teeth disrupting the eruption path, presence of extra teeth or growths blocking the eruption pathway, or abnormal developmental positioning of the tooth bud. Genetic factors also play a role, as impacted canines often run in families. Early detection through routine dental examinations, especially during late childhood and early adolescence, allows for more conservative interventions that may prevent complete impaction.

At What Age Should Impacted Canines Be Treated?

Ideal treatment timing for impacted canines typically falls between ages 11-14, when the root development of the canine is still incomplete, making orthodontic movement more predictable. However, successful treatment can be accomplished in adults as well, though the process may take longer and have a slightly lower success rate for orthodontic positioning. During your consultation, Dr. Johnson will discuss how age factors into your specific treatment recommendations and expected outcomes.

Is Impacted Canine Surgery Painful?

Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure itself due to appropriate anesthesia and sedation. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild to moderate and effectively managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications. Most patients report that recovery from canine exposure or removal is significantly easier than wisdom tooth extraction. Dr. Johnson provides detailed pain management guidelines tailored to your specific procedure and individual needs.

Visit Us in St. Augustine

St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center is ideally situated at 1301 Plantation Island Dr. Suite #101, St. Augustine, FL 32080, making us easily accessible for patients throughout St. Augustine and surrounding communities.