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Dentistry/Problem with canine

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Expert: - 11/10/2008


Question
Hi, I am 19 years old and my right canine tooth is only coming out now, and it's a very tiny piece too, that is b'cos I did not have enough space in my mouth for my canine tooth to come out. When I was 12, I extracted one of my premolars on the left side of my mouth so that my canine could come out. At that time the dentist I was going to was not very helpful, and she didn't explain me about the right side of my mouth. Now I'm 19 and I see the right canine is trying to come out? What should I do now cos the dentist I went to said said, if I extract the premolar next to the canine she doesn't think the canine will shift in that space and if I extract my incisors next to the canine it it won't fit in that space cos it's too small. She suggests I should have an operation and cut my canine out of the gum. Please help and advise me what to do? Thanks

Answer
The best advice I can give you is to have an evaluation by an orthodontist...not just a dentist who is not a specialist.  The orthodontist can do a proper examination and take whatever x-rays are necessary in order to correctly manage the situation.  The orthodontist should be able to explain your situation and any treatment options available.  Then you can take whatever action you feel is appropriate for you.

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Dr. Randolph Myerson

Expertise

Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.

Experience

I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.

Organizations
I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.

Education/Credentials
I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.

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