The canines are the four pointed teeth at the corners of the dental arches, one in each quarter. They have a single strong cusp and the longest roots of any teeth, especially the upper canine. Their position at the bend of the arch makes them important anchors for the shape of the face and the bite.
| Location | At the corners of each dental arch, between the lateral incisors and first premolars |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Anterior superior alveolar nerve (upper); Inferior alveolar nerve, incisive branch (lower) |
| Blood Supply | Anterior superior alveolar artery (upper); Inferior alveolar artery and its incisive branch (lower) |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Grip and tear food and help guide the jaws during sideways chewing movements.
The upper canine erupts late (around 11-12 years) and is the tooth most often impacted after the third molars, typically sitting in the palate. In many people the canines guide the jaw in side-to-side movements, sparing the back teeth from heavy lateral forces. Infection from an upper canine root can spread to the soft tissues beside the nose and below the eye.
Failure of the upper canine to erupt, usually lying in the palate; treated by surgical exposure and orthodontic traction or by removal.
Spread of infection from an upper canine root into the soft tissue beside the nose, causing swelling that can close the lower eyelid.
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