Upper canine teeth are some of the last to erupt and therefore have more potential to become impacted and fail to reach their correct position within the upper jaw.   About 2% of the population have an impacted upper canine, usually affecting one side only. Most of these impact towards the roof of the mouth (the 'palate') but some impact towards the cheek.   A variety of factors can reduce the space available for a canine to come through, contributing to it becoming impacted. Commonly, there may already be a degree of teeth crowding in the upper jaw due to a shortage of space. In some cases, there is a family history of canines being impacted.   If the canine is left in its impacted position, a cystic lesion can develop around the crown of the tooth, which can become infected and can also cause damage by putting pressure on the roots of adjacent teeth.     Radiographic images of impacted  canines can be taken to examine for possible areas of cystic development and root resorption of adjacent teeth.  Treatment for an impacted canine is usually part of a course of orthodontic therapy and so you should seek the advice of your orthodontist regarding your particular circumstances.   At the time of the consultation visit radiographic images will be taken to aid in determining the position of the tooth.  Your anesthesia options will be discussed as well.  Most surgeries are performed in the office setting and take from 45-60 minutes to complete.  At the time of surgery the doctor will  utilize the x-ray images to locate the position of the canine. The overlying tissues are then surgically raised away from the tooth to allow for sufficient soft tissue and bone removal to expose the tooth adequately.  Occasionally an orthodontic bracket is bonded to the exposed tooth along with a gold chain that is connected to the orthodontic arch wire with an elastic.  The orthodontist will utilize this in helping to guide the tooth into the correct position in the arch.  Stitches are used to put the raised tissue back in place (these are usually dissolvable). A healing pack is then placed over the exposed tooth.  The pack and stitches are quick remove usually one week after surgery.   Once the pack and stitches have been removed and the impacted tooth is exposed in the mouth, healing usually progresses quite quickly.   A follow-up appointment  is arranged with your orthodontist a week to 10 days after the procedure.