Impacted canines, also known as impacted canine teeth, refer to the situation where the canines (or cuspids) - the pointy teeth located between the incisors and premolars in the front of the mouth - fail to emerge from the gums into their proper position in the dental arch.

​

The removal of impacted canines is a surgical procedure that is typically performed by an oral surgeon or a dentist with specialized training in oral and maxillofacial surgery. 

​

The surgeon will first make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the impacted canine. Depending on the position and orientation of the tooth, the surgeon may need to remove some of the surrounding bone or tissue to fully access the tooth. Once the tooth is fully visible, the surgeon will carefully detach it from any surrounding tissue or bone and extract it from the socket using special instruments.

​

After the tooth has been removed, the surgeon will clean the socket and remove any remaining tissue or debris to promote healing. The surgeon may also need to place sutures (stitches) in the gum tissue to help it heal properly. Depending on the complexity of the extraction, the procedure may take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour to complete.

​

After the procedure, patients can typically expect some discomfort and swelling in the affected area for several days. Pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to manage these symptoms. Patients should also avoid certain foods and activities that may interfere with healing, such as hard or crunchy foods and strenuous exercise.