What if the Cuspid Tooth Does Not Erupt?
In cases where the cuspid tooth does not erupt spontaneously, the orthodontist and oral surgeon work together to promote its eruption. The orthodontist will place braces on the teeth and create space to accommodate the impacted tooth at its proper position in the dental arch. If the deciduous (baby) cuspid has not previously fallen out, it is usually left in place until sufficient space has been established for the permanent cuspid. When adequate space has been created, the orthodontist will refer the patient to the oral surgeon to have the impacted cuspid tooth surgically exposed and bracketed. Sixty percent of impacted cuspid teeth are located on the palatal (roof of the mouth) side of the dental arch. The remaining impacted cuspids are positioned in the middle of the ridge often stuck above the roots of the adjacent teeth or out to the facial side of the dental arch. The surgical and orthodontic techniques employed to aid eruption of impacted teeth can be applied to any impacted too
