Impacted Canine Removal in St. Louis

What Is an Impacted Canine?

The canine teeth, located at the corners of the dental arch, are usually the last to erupt. Because of their long roots and strategic location, they guide the other teeth into alignment. When a canine tooth becomes trapped beneath the gum or bone — often due to overcrowding or abnormal development — it is considered impacted.

Impacted canines may:

• Remain completely under the gum
  
• Partially erupt in an abnormal position
  
• Cause crowding or damage to nearby teeth
  
• Lead to cysts or infection if left untreated
  

Timely evaluation is critical, especially during the teen years when eruption patterns are still developing.

How We Treat Impacted Canines

We offer several options based on the position of the tooth and your orthodontic or restorative goals:

Surgical Exposure and Bonding

If the tooth is healthy and in a favorable position, we can surgically expose the canine and attach a small orthodontic bracket. This allows your orthodontist to gently guide the tooth into proper alignment.

Surgical Removal

If the tooth is severely impacted or causing damage to nearby teeth, impacted canine removal may be recommended. This is especially common in adult patients or cases where the canine has no functional use.

3D Imaging and Planning

We use cone-beam CT imaging to plan impacted canine surgery with high precision. This minimizes surgical trauma and supports predictable outcomes.

When to Seek Treatment

You may need an evaluation if:

• Your dentist or orthodontist notices a delayed eruption of upper canines
  
• You have a visible bump on the gum where the tooth should erupt
  
• Nearby teeth are shifting or becoming crowded
  
• You're experiencing discomfort or swelling in the upper jaw
  

Our team works closely with referring orthodontists and general dentists to coordinate treatment. If a related procedure is needed — such as wisdom teeth removal — we can manage both during a single visit when appropriate.

Why Choose Gateway Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons?

Patients across the St. Louis area trust our team for surgical expertise and a supportive patient experience. When treating impacted canines, precision, timing, and communication are critical — and we deliver on all fronts.

• Board-certified surgeons like Dr. Fernando
  
• Advanced imaging for detailed diagnostics
  
• Close collaboration with orthodontists
  
• Comfortable surgical environment with IV sedation options
  
• Convenient Clayton location, serving all of Greater St. Louis