impacted canine...help!

Hello, I have an impacted canine and have been wearing braces because of this for almost 3 years, since I was a junior in H.S. I had a surgery to connect a bracket to the tooth to have it pulled down with a ball and chain about a year and a half ago. We have seen slight progess in the movement of the tooth but it is still quite a ways off and is not visible.  

The problem is that the bracket recently broke off and I am getting sick of wearing braces in college. My ortodontist wants me to go get another surgery done and continue with the process of lowering the tooth.  I was wondering if it would be possible to find an oral surgeon who would put an implant canine in the open space so that I would not need to continue with the tedious process of  bringing the tooth wearing the braces, which could take up to an additional 3 years.

My ortho says no because a cyst can develop, but he admitted that the tooth can't possibly move backward/up into my gum any further.  At this point I dont even care about a cyst as I would rather take my chances than wear braces until I am 23. What are the chances I can find a dentist/oral surgeon who is willing to implant a tooth over the impacted one?

[Steve Bader, DMD]

I am sorry to hear of your dilemna.  We have seen many patients with the same issues here in the Boston area.  It is always the first choice to try and retrieve the impacted canine when possible.  At some point the decision has to be considered to remove the impacted tooth.  Then, depending on the exact position and the extent of surgery, an implant may be considered.  Your orthodontist should be able to help you find a good surgeon to review the pros and cons.  A CAT scan xray would be very helpful to see the 3 D position of the canine.  Good luck.

[Sam Delfino]

Hi How are you doing? First of all, I have to say that I totally understand what it is that you are going through and the frustration firsthand. To answer your question, there is a possibility, depending on the situation for a dental implant to be placed instead of this tooth. The pros and cons need to be evaluated but it is possible. The impacted canine may or may not need to be pulled depending on the situation and where it is. Whether you have enough bone, and where this bone is to achieve a great esthetic result afterwards is an important aspect to this. As a result, you would want to go to someone who is highly trained and has cross training in different areas of expertise. I would be more than happy to help you if you were to let me know where you live or where it is that you go to school, and I can refer you to the appropriate person in your area. I hope this helps,
Shervin Erfani DMD

[dk15]

Thanks a bunch for the replies, I am located within 20 miles of Albany NY and a recommendation of who I could go see would be GREATLY appreciated.

[dk15]

Can you help me out with that referral?  I live within 15 minutes of Albany, in NY's Capital District.