{"id":3581,"date":"2026-02-27T16:23:29","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T16:23:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/impacted-canine-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/"},"modified":"2026-02-27T16:23:29","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T16:23:29","slug":"impacted-canine-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/impacted-canine-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"impacted canine: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview of impacted canine(What it is)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An impacted canine is a canine tooth that does not erupt into the mouth when expected.<br\/>\nIt is most often discussed for the upper (maxillary) canine, which has a long eruption path.<br\/>\nThe term is used in dentistry and orthodontics to describe a tooth that is trapped in bone or gum tissue.<br\/>\nIt matters because canines support bite function and guide jaw movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why impacted canine used (Purpose \/ benefits)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The phrase impacted canine is used to clearly label a common eruption problem: a canine tooth that is present but cannot emerge into its normal position. In everyday terms, it means \u201cthe canine is stuck\u201d and may be blocked by bone, gum, or neighboring teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using this diagnosis helps clinicians and patients communicate about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Why a tooth is missing from the smile line<\/strong> (even though it exists under the gums).<\/li>\n<li><strong>What risks may develop over time<\/strong>, such as pressure on adjacent teeth or changes in bite alignment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Which broad management paths exist<\/strong>, including monitoring, interceptive steps (early measures intended to improve eruption), orthodontic alignment, surgical exposure, or extraction in selected cases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u201cbenefit\u201d of identifying an impacted canine is not that it is desirable, but that <strong>clear recognition supports planning<\/strong>. That planning may involve protecting nearby teeth, improving function and aesthetics, and coordinating care between general dentists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons\u2014depending on the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Indications (When dentists use it)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dentists and orthodontic clinicians typically use the term impacted canine in situations such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A <strong>canine tooth is not visible in the mouth<\/strong> after the expected eruption time.<\/li>\n<li>A <strong>primary (baby) canine remains<\/strong> in place longer than expected.<\/li>\n<li>There is <strong>asymmetry<\/strong> (a canine erupted on one side but not the other).<\/li>\n<li>The canine is <strong>palpable<\/strong> (felt) in an unusual position in the gum or not palpable when expected.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Crowding or lack of space<\/strong> in the dental arch suggests eruption may be blocked.<\/li>\n<li>Imaging shows the canine is <strong>ectopic<\/strong> (off its normal eruption path) or <strong>embedded<\/strong> in bone.<\/li>\n<li>The impacted canine appears close to adjacent tooth roots, raising concern for <strong>root resorption<\/strong> risk.<\/li>\n<li>Orthodontic assessment identifies a need to <strong>preserve or align the canine<\/strong> for bite function and smile aesthetics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contraindications \/ when it\u2019s NOT ideal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Managing an impacted canine by attempting to guide it into the arch is not always the preferred approach. Situations where another approach may be considered include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The canine is <strong>ankylosed<\/strong> (fused to bone), meaning it may not respond to orthodontic movement.<\/li>\n<li>The tooth position or angulation is <strong>unfavorable<\/strong> (severity varies by clinician and case).<\/li>\n<li>The canine has a <strong>marked root curvature (dilaceration)<\/strong> that may complicate movement.<\/li>\n<li>There is <strong>significant damage to adjacent teeth<\/strong>, or high risk of further harm based on imaging.<\/li>\n<li>The impacted canine shows <strong>pathology<\/strong> that changes priorities (for example, a cyst-like lesion), with management depending on diagnosis.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Periodontal considerations<\/strong> suggest a poorer long-term gum\/bone outcome if the tooth is brought into the arch.<\/li>\n<li>Patient-specific factors limit complex care (for example, inability to undergo orthodontic treatment), with decisions varying by clinician and case.<\/li>\n<li>The tooth is <strong>not strategically necessary<\/strong> for the final bite plan because other orthodontic or restorative options are more suitable for the individual situation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How it works (Material \/ properties)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The headings \u201cflow,\u201d \u201cviscosity,\u201d \u201cfiller content,\u201d and \u201cwear resistance\u201d describe restorative dental materials (like resin composites). An impacted canine is <strong>not a material<\/strong>, so these properties do not apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The closest relevant \u201chow it works\u201d concepts for an impacted canine involve <strong>eruption biology and mechanical guidance<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Eruption path and spatial relationships:<\/strong> Canines erupt later than many teeth and may travel a longer path, especially in the upper jaw. If space is limited or the path is altered, the tooth may remain impacted.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Interaction with bone and adjacent roots:<\/strong> An impacted canine is often surrounded by bone and may be positioned near the roots of incisors or premolars. This proximity is one reason imaging and careful planning are emphasized.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Orthodontic biomechanics (high-level):<\/strong> When alignment is attempted, gentle, controlled forces are typically used to guide the tooth toward the arch. The exact force system and sequence varies by clinician and case.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Soft-tissue and periodontal considerations:<\/strong> How the tooth emerges through gum tissue can influence the amount and position of keratinized gingiva (the firm gum tissue), which may affect long-term maintenance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">impacted canine Procedure overview (How it\u2019s applied)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The workflow \u201cIsolation \u2192 etch\/bond \u2192 place \u2192 cure \u2192 finish\/polish\u201d is a standard outline for placing bonded restorative materials. Because impacted canine is a condition (not a filling material), those steps are <strong>not directly applicable<\/strong>. For clarity, here is how that sequence relates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Isolation:<\/strong> Not applicable as a primary step for diagnosing an impacted canine; isolation is a restorative concept.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Etch\/bond:<\/strong> May be relevant only if an orthodontic attachment is bonded to an exposed tooth surface.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Place:<\/strong> \u201cPlacement\u201d may refer to placing an orthodontic attachment or chain during exposure procedures.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cure:<\/strong> Light-curing may be used if a resin is used to bond an attachment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Finish\/polish:<\/strong> Not a core step in impacted canine management, though smoothing or contouring may be relevant in other contexts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A more appropriate <strong>general<\/strong> overview for impacted canine management is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Assessment and history:<\/strong> Review eruption timing, symptoms, and prior dental\/orthodontic history.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Clinical exam:<\/strong> Check for retained primary canines, spacing, bite relationships, and palpation of the canine area.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Imaging:<\/strong> Use dental radiographs; cone-beam CT may be considered in some cases to assess 3D position and adjacent root proximity (use varies by clinician and case).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Treatment planning:<\/strong> Decide between monitoring, interceptive measures, orthodontic alignment with surgical exposure, or extraction-based plans, depending on goals and risk factors.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Interceptive phase (when chosen):<\/strong> This may include creating space orthodontically and\/or removing barriers to eruption, based on the clinical plan.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Surgical exposure (when chosen):<\/strong> A clinician may uncover the impacted canine and, in many cases, attach a bonded button\/chain for orthodontic guidance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Orthodontic traction and alignment (when chosen):<\/strong> The tooth is guided gradually into position under supervision.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Monitoring and refinement:<\/strong> Regular follow-up tracks movement, gum health, and neighboring tooth status until the bite is finalized.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types \/ variations of impacted canine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Impacted canine cases are commonly described by location, direction, and complexity. Common variations include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Maxillary vs mandibular impacted canine:<\/strong> Upper impacted canines are discussed more often in orthodontics; lower impacted canines occur but are generally less emphasized in typical curricula.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Palatal vs labial\/buccal impaction (upper jaw):<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Palatal<\/strong>: Positioned toward the palate (roof of the mouth).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Labial\/buccal<\/strong>: Positioned toward the lips\/cheek side.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Unilateral vs bilateral:<\/strong> One side or both sides can be impacted.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Partial vs complete impaction:<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Partial<\/strong>: Part of the tooth is erupted or visible.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Complete<\/strong>: Entire tooth remains covered by gum and\/or bone.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Angulation and position descriptors:<\/strong> Vertical, mesioangular (tilted toward the midline), distoangular, or more horizontal positions may be used as descriptive terms.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Transposition or ectopic eruption patterns:<\/strong> The canine may be displaced into an unusual position relative to neighboring teeth, sometimes overlapping roots.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Transmigration (more often discussed for lower canines):<\/strong> A canine may cross the midline within the jawbone in rare patterns; terminology and thresholds vary by clinician and case.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros and cons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pros:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Canines are <strong>functionally important<\/strong> for guiding certain bite movements and supporting chewing efficiency.<\/li>\n<li>Aligning a natural canine can support <strong>aesthetic harmony<\/strong>, especially at the \u201ccorners\u201d of the smile.<\/li>\n<li>Early identification can help <strong>reduce uncertainty<\/strong> about why a tooth is missing and what options exist.<\/li>\n<li>Coordinated care can help <strong>protect adjacent teeth<\/strong> by monitoring root proximity and tooth movement.<\/li>\n<li>Some approaches can be <strong>conservative<\/strong> in the sense that they aim to use the patient\u2019s own tooth rather than replacing it.<\/li>\n<li>The diagnosis provides a framework for <strong>clear communication<\/strong> among dental team members.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Cons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Management can be <strong>time-intensive<\/strong>, especially if orthodontic traction is required.<\/li>\n<li>There can be <strong>biologic risks<\/strong> to adjacent teeth (such as root resorption), which require careful monitoring.<\/li>\n<li>Surgical exposure may involve <strong>post-procedure discomfort<\/strong> and healing time (experience varies).<\/li>\n<li>Final gum appearance around a previously impacted canine can be <strong>less predictable<\/strong> than a normally erupted tooth.<\/li>\n<li>Not every impacted canine is <strong>movable or positionable<\/strong> into an ideal location (varies by clinician and case).<\/li>\n<li>Treatment planning can be <strong>complex<\/strong>, sometimes requiring multiple disciplines and staged decisions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aftercare &amp; longevity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After an impacted canine is monitored, exposed, aligned, or otherwise managed, \u201caftercare\u201d generally refers to maintaining tooth and gum health and protecting the final bite result. Longevity and stability are influenced by multiple factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Oral hygiene:<\/strong> Cleaning around brackets, wires, or attachments can be more challenging, which may affect gum inflammation and enamel demineralization risk.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bite forces and occlusion:<\/strong> How the canine contacts opposing teeth influences wear and comfort. Heavy contacts may require adjustments as part of ongoing care (decisions vary by clinician and case).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bruxism (clenching\/grinding):<\/strong> High forces can affect tooth wear, orthodontic stability, and comfort over time.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Retention:<\/strong> After orthodontic movement, retainers are commonly used to help maintain alignment; designs and schedules vary.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Periodontal health:<\/strong> Gum thickness, keratinized tissue, and bone levels around the aligned canine can affect long-term maintenance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Regular reviews:<\/strong> Follow-up visits allow clinicians to check alignment, gum health, and any signs of relapse or stress on neighboring teeth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Because impacted canine cases range from mild to complex, long-term expectations often <strong>vary by clinician and case<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alternatives \/ comparisons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Comparisons like \u201cflowable vs packable composite,\u201d \u201cglass ionomer,\u201d and \u201ccompomer\u201d apply to restorative fillings, not to impacted canine. An impacted canine is a tooth-position condition, so those material comparisons are <strong>not applicable<\/strong> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More relevant alternatives and comparisons relate to management pathways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p><strong>Monitoring (watchful follow-up) vs active intervention:<\/strong><br\/>\n  Monitoring may be chosen when risk appears low or timing is still within an acceptable range. Active intervention may be chosen when the position threatens adjacent teeth or when orthodontic goals require canine alignment.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Interceptive measures vs comprehensive orthodontics:<\/strong><br\/>\n  Interceptive steps aim to improve eruption conditions earlier (often by addressing space or removing obstacles). Comprehensive orthodontics may be needed when the tooth requires guided traction into the arch.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Surgical exposure techniques (open vs closed) \u2014 high level:<\/strong><br\/>\n  Some approaches leave the tooth more openly exposed to erupt, while others reposition gum tissue and use a bonded attachment to guide the tooth. Selection varies by clinician preference, tissue considerations, and tooth position.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Aligning the impacted canine vs extracting it:<\/strong><br\/>\n  Extraction may be considered when alignment is unlikely to succeed or risks are higher. If extracted, options may include orthodontic space closure, prosthetic replacement, or other restorative plans depending on the overall bite and spacing.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Autotransplantation (selected cases):<\/strong><br\/>\n  In some scenarios, a clinician may consider transplanting the canine into a prepared site. This is technique-sensitive and case-dependent, and it is not a routine option for every patient.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common questions (FAQ) of impacted canine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What exactly is an impacted canine?<\/strong><br\/>\nAn impacted canine is a canine tooth that has not erupted into its normal place in the dental arch. It may be blocked by bone, gum tissue, lack of space, or an altered eruption path. The tooth is often present but hidden under the gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Is an impacted canine painful?<\/strong><br\/>\nSome people have no pain and only notice a missing tooth or retained baby tooth. Others may feel pressure, tenderness, or swelling, especially if there is associated inflammation. Symptoms vary, and absence of pain does not rule out impaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How is an impacted canine diagnosed?<\/strong><br\/>\nDiagnosis typically combines a clinical exam (looking for delayed eruption, retained primary teeth, and spacing) with dental imaging. Standard radiographs may be sufficient in many situations, while 3D imaging can be used in selected cases to evaluate exact position and proximity to adjacent roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Does every impacted canine need treatment?<\/strong><br\/>\nNot necessarily. Some impacted canines are monitored if the risk to nearby teeth appears low and if the overall bite plan allows it. Decisions depend on position, age, orthodontic needs, and risk factors\u2014so the approach varies by clinician and case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What are the common treatment approaches?<\/strong><br\/>\nCommon pathways include creating space orthodontically, surgically exposing the tooth, and guiding it into place with orthodontic traction. In some cases, extraction may be considered, followed by orthodontic space management and\/or tooth replacement planning. The chosen approach depends on feasibility and risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: How long does impacted canine treatment take?<\/strong><br\/>\nTiming varies widely. Some cases resolve relatively efficiently once space is available, while others require longer orthodontic phases and careful movement. The timeline depends on tooth position, movement distance, and how the tooth responds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What affects the cost of managing an impacted canine?<\/strong><br\/>\nCosts vary based on complexity, imaging needs, whether surgery is involved, and the length of orthodontic treatment. Fees also differ by region, clinic, and the specialists involved. A precise estimate typically requires an in-person evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Is it safe to move an impacted canine orthodontically?<\/strong><br\/>\nOrthodontic movement is commonly performed, but it is not risk-free. Key concerns include effects on adjacent tooth roots, gum outcomes, and whether the tooth can be moved predictably. Clinicians manage risk through planning, imaging, and monitoring, but outcomes vary by case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: Can an impacted canine damage other teeth?<\/strong><br\/>\nIt can, particularly if it lies close to the roots of incisors or premolars. One concern is root resorption of adjacent teeth, which may be detected on imaging. This is one reason impacted canine cases are evaluated carefully and followed over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q: What is recovery like after surgical exposure?<\/strong><br\/>\nExperiences vary, but people often report temporary soreness, swelling, and sensitivity in the area. Healing depends on the exposure technique, tissue handling, and individual factors. Post-procedure instructions are individualized by the treating clinician.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An impacted canine is a canine tooth that does not erupt into the mouth when expected. It is most often discussed for the upper (maxillary) canine, which has a long eruption path. The term is used in dentistry and orthodontics to describe a tooth that is trapped in bone or gum tissue. It matters because canines support bite function and guide jaw movements.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3581","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>impacted canine: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/impacted-canine-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"impacted canine: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"An impacted canine is a canine tooth that does not erupt into the mouth when expected. 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It matters because canines support bite function and guide jaw movements.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/impacted-canine-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Best Dental Hospitals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-02-27T16:23:29+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"drdental\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"drdental\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/impacted-canine-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/impacted-canine-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\",\"name\":\"impacted canine: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-02-27T16:23:29+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/5729031a8ff1a9a243a97107e2fa8aa0\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/impacted-canine-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/impacted-canine-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/impacted-canine-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"impacted canine: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"My blog\",\"description\":\"Connecting You to the Best Dental Care \u2013 Worldwide\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/5729031a8ff1a9a243a97107e2fa8aa0\",\"name\":\"drdental\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2d2e33e0c976345379e0019cc3e40b6d7c1800f9b730970838f2b0ec2c7ec326?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2d2e33e0c976345379e0019cc3e40b6d7c1800f9b730970838f2b0ec2c7ec326?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"drdental\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/author\/drdental\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"impacted canine: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.bestdentalhospitals.com\/blog\/impacted-canine-definition-uses-and-clinical-overview\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"impacted canine: Definition, Uses, and Clinical Overview - Best Dental Hospitals","og_description":"An impacted canine is a canine tooth that does not erupt into the mouth when expected. It is most often discussed for the upper (maxillary) canine, which has a long eruption path. The term is used in dentistry and orthodontics to describe a tooth that is trapped in bone or gum tissue. 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