When Dr. B. Alsabbagh asks to see your canines, he probably isn't talking about man's best friend. "Canine" is actually another word for cuspid, one of the four pointed teeth on either side of your mouth.
This type of tooth is also sometimes called an "eye tooth" and plays a crucial role in your bite's formation and function. Problems with your cuspid teeth can affect eating and speaking. While you can find information about dental anatomy on our website, only a dentist can diagnose and treat dental problems. Talk to Dr. B. Alsabbagh if you think you have a problem with your cuspid teeth.
Cuspids are found on both the upper and lower jaws between your incisors (flat front teeth) and premolars (small chewing teeth). If that sounds overly complicated, it may be easier to simply go to the mirror -- a cuspid is the third tooth to the left or right of center when you smile. For most patients, they are also the last of the front teeth to erupt (around age 11 or 12) and help keep the rest of your teeth in the correct position as you grow.
You may have noticed that your pointed canines resemble fangs -- that's because, just like our friends in the animal kingdom, we use our sharpest teeth to tear our food while eating. They're also incredibly strong, with longer roots than any other human teeth, making them particularly well-suited for this task.
Because your cuspids are so important to the spacing of your teeth and the ability to bite and chew, any complication in their development can be particularly serious. And unfortunately, after your wisdom teeth, cuspids are the type of tooth most likely to become impacted, or blocked from properly erupting. Depending on how severely a cuspid tooth is impacted, Dr. B. Alsabbagh may recommend:
If after assessing all dental treatment options Dr. B. Alsabbagh decides your cuspid must be extracted, he or she will likely also recommend treatment to shift the remaining teeth to fill the void.
The good news for adults is, your cuspids have probably already erupted -- hopefully without problems. But anyone with children should pay special attention to the development of those four little "fangs" as kids approach their 11th birthday. Remember, adults and children alike need to visit the dentist regularly to ensure the health of every single tooth to keep them smiling for years to come.
Sorry, we're closed.
You can still send us a message and
we'll get back to you as quickly as possible!
