What happens if the eye tooth or Canine will not erupt when proper space is available?
In cases where the eye teeth will not erupt spontaneously, the orthodontist and Dr. De Tolla work together to get these unerupted eye teeth to erupt. Each case must be evaluated on an individual basis but treatment will usually involve a combined effort between the orthodontist and the oral surgeon. The most common scenario will call for the orthodontist to place braces on the teeth (at least the upper arch). A space will be opened to provide room for the impacted tooth to be moved into its proper position in the dental arch. If the baby eye tooth has not fallen out already, it is usually left in place until the space for the adult eye tooth is ready. Once the space is ready, the orthodontist will refer the patient to the oral surgeon to have the impacted eye tooth exposed and bracketed. In a simple surgical procedure performed in the surgeon’s office, the gum on top of the impacted tooth will be lifted up to uncover or expose the hidden tooth underneath. If there is a baby tooth prese
