Impacted Tooth Exposure
Help Your Impacted Tooth Find Its Proper Place
A Surgical Step Toward a Healthier Smile
Protect Function, Alignment, and Your Smile
Protect Surrounding Teeth
Treating an impacted tooth can help reduce the risk of damage to nearby teeth and surrounding structures.
Support Proper Alignment
Exposure and bonding can create a pathway for an impacted tooth to be guided into the dental arch.
Preserve Your Natural Tooth
When appropriate, treatment can help preserve and position the natural tooth instead of removing it.
How Impacted Tooth Exposure Works
01
Evaluation & Imaging
We evaluate the position of the impacted tooth and surrounding structures using appropriate diagnostic imaging.
02
Surgical Exposure
The gum is carefully opened and, when necessary, a small amount of bone is removed to uncover the tooth.
03
Bonding the Tooth
A small orthodontic bracket and chain may be attached to the exposed tooth.
04
Guided Tooth Movement
Your orthodontist uses gentle pressure to gradually guide the tooth into its proper position.
Could Exposure and Bonding Be Right for You?
Treatment may be appropriate when a tooth is unable to erupt normally and there is a reasonable opportunity to guide it into the dental arch.
You may benefit from an evaluation if you:
- Have an unerupted or impacted tooth
- Have an impacted canine
- Have a tooth trapped beneath the gum or bone
- Have been referred by an orthodontist
- Are experiencing concerns related to an impacted tooth
Your treatment plan will depend on the tooth’s position, available space, surrounding bone, and your overall oral health.
Specialized Care. Advanced Technology. Personalized Treatment.
Experienced
Oral Surgeons
Our board-certified oral surgeons have specialized training and experience to provide expert surgical care across a wide range of oral and maxillofacial procedures.
Advanced
Technology
We use modern technology and advanced treatment techniques to help diagnose conditions accurately, plan procedures carefully, and provide precise surgical care.
Personalized
Patient Care
Every patient is different. We take the time to understand your needs, answer your questions, and create a treatment plan tailored to your individual goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About
Impacted Tooth Exposure
What is an impacted tooth?
An impacted tooth is a tooth that becomes trapped beneath the gum or bone and does not erupt into its normal position.
Which teeth are most commonly impacted?
After wisdom teeth, the upper canines are among the teeth most commonly affected by impaction.
What happens during impacted tooth exposure?
The oral surgeon uncovers the tooth and may attach an orthodontic bracket and chain so your orthodontist can guide the tooth into position.
Will I need orthodontic treatment?
In many cases involving impacted canines, orthodontic treatment is needed to gradually guide the tooth into the dental arch.
How long does it take for an impacted tooth to move?
Tooth movement is gradual. The total time depends on the tooth's position and the orthodontic treatment required. Some cases can take many months.