The maxillary canines are the pointed eye teeth at the corners of the upper arch (Universal 6 on the right and 11 on the left, FDI 13 and 23). Each has a single sharp cusp and the longest root of any tooth, which forms a ridge (the canine eminence) under the upper lip. They erupt at about 11-12 years.
| Location | Corner of the upper dental arch, between the lateral incisor and the first premolar |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Anterior superior alveolar nerve (from the infraorbital nerve, maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve); Nasopalatine nerve (palatal gingiva); Superior labial branches of the infraorbital nerve (labial gingiva) |
| Blood Supply | Anterior superior alveolar artery (from the infraorbital artery) |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Grip and tear food, guide the jaw in side-to-side movements and support the corners of the lips and face.
Upper canines are the most commonly impacted teeth after the third molars, usually stuck in the palate; early detection around age 10 allows the baby canine to be removed to help the adult tooth erupt. Their long roots make them very stable, so they are kept whenever possible and are important abutments for bridges. In many people they guide the jaw sideways so the back teeth separate during side-to-side movement (canine guidance).
The canine fails to erupt and stays in the palate or under the cheek, often needing surgical exposure and orthodontic traction.
An ectopic canine pressing on the neighbouring lateral incisor can dissolve its root.
Wear of the cusp tip from grinding (bruxism), flattening the canine and reducing canine guidance.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
