An impacted tooth is a tooth that is blocked or “stuck” underneath the gum line, and does not erupt into its correct position on its own.
Most often, an impacted tooth is a third molar (wisdom tooth) or a canine tooth as well. Thier impaction happens because canines are usually the last teeth to erupt, around the age of 12.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic examination by the age of seven, which allows us the opportunity to monitor your child’s teeth eruption and detect impactions early.
If your child does develop an impacted canine, a simple surgical procedure is recommended to assist the eruption of the tooth. After the tooth is exposed, the surgeon will attach an orthodontic bracket to the tooth to help me guide its eruption into the mouth.
