Introduction: The "Cornerstone" Tooth
The maxillary cuspid (upper eyetooth) is the second most common tooth to become impacted. The cuspid tooth is a critical tooth that plays an important role in your "bite". They are very strong biting teeth with the longest roots of any human teeth. Because they are designed to be the first teeth that touch when your jaws close, they guide the rest of the teeth into the proper bite. If a cuspid tooth gets impacted, every effort is made to help it erupt into its proper position rather than extracting it.
Early Detection
Early recognition is paramount for successful treatment. A panoramic x-ray and dental examination help determine if adult teeth are missing or blocked.
- Age 11-12: If space is opened for eruption, there is a good chance for success.
- Age 13-14: By this age, the impacted eyetooth typically will not erupt by itself, even with the space cleared.
- Over 40: There is a much higher chance that the tooth will be fused in position, leaving extraction and replacement with a dental implant or bridge as the only option.
The Procedure: Expose & Bracket
A Collaborative EffortIn cases where the eyeteeth will not erupt spontaneously, treatment involves a combined effort between the orthodontist and the oral surgeon.
The Steps
- Exposure: The surgery to expose and bracket an impacted tooth is a straightforward procedure performed in our office. The oral surgeon will surgically expose the impacted tooth.
- Bracketing: Once exposed, the surgeon brackets the tooth. This allows the orthodontist to work with the surgeon to guide the tooth into place.
- Anesthesia: For most patients, this is performed using laughing gas and local anesthesia, though IV sedation is available if desired.