Signs of Impacted Canine Teeth and How They Are Diagnosed

Reviewed by Dr. Thien-Thao Le

Reading time: 3 minutes

Canine teeth play a key role in bite function, tooth alignment, and facial structure. When these teeth fail to erupt properly, they may remain trapped in the jawbone or gum tissue. Impacted canine teeth are often not visible and may go unnoticed without clinical evaluation. 

Table of Contents

• Common Signs of Impacted Canine Teeth
• How Impacted Canine Teeth Are Diagnosed
• What Happens After Impacted Canine Teeth Are Identified
• Schedule a Consultation
• FAQs

Common Signs of Impacted Canine Teeth

Impacted canine teeth do not always produce pain or obvious symptoms. Common signs include:

• Delayed canine eruption: Upper canines usually erupt between ages 11 and 13. 
• Retained baby canines: If baby canines do not loosen or fall out on time, the permanent tooth may be stuck or developing out of position.
• Tooth shifting or crowding: An impacted canine can push nearby teeth out of position, leading to crowding or spacing changes.
• Gum swelling or tenderness: Mild swelling or sensitivity may appear in the gum where the canine should emerge, especially if the tooth is close to the surface.

Because impacted canines often cause no pain, these signs may be subtle or easy to overlook.

How Impacted Canine Teeth Are Diagnosed

Diagnosis involves a dental exam and imaging to identify the tooth’s position and its relationship to the surrounding teeth and jawbone.

• Dental examination: A dentist or orthodontist evaluates eruption patterns, retained baby teeth, spacing, and bite alignment. Palpation of the gum tissue may help locate a canine positioned close to the surface.
• X-rays: Standard dental X-rays are usually the first imaging step. They confirm whether the canine is present and show its general location and direction within the jaw.
• 3D imaging (CBCT): Cone Beam Computed Tomography provides detailed, three-dimensional images that allow clinicians to pinpoint the exact position of an impacted canine, evaluate its relationship to nearby tooth roots, and identify potential complications.

When imaging confirms canine impaction or reveals a complex position, patients are commonly referred to an oral surgeon for evaluation and treatment planning. 

What Happens After Impacted Canine Teeth Are Identified

Next steps depend on the patient’s age, tooth position, and orthodontic goals. Care is individualized and often coordinated between orthodontists and oral surgeons. 

In some cases, early monitoring or orthodontic treatment may support natural eruption. If the canine cannot erupt on its own, surgical exposure may be recommended so the tooth can be guided into position. 

Schedule a Consultation

At Foley & Le Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, we work alongside orthodontic providers to support impacted canine exposure when appropriate. To schedule a consultation at our oral surgery office in Boulder, call (303) 444-2255. Your orthodontist can also send us a referral by filling out our referral form. 

FAQs