Orthodontic Tooth Exposure

Impacted Tooth Exposure

An impacted tooth is a common problem encountered during orthodontic treatment. Exposure of an impacted tooth is a surgical procedure needed to prepare the tooth for bonding and bracketing when the tooth is partially or entirely hidden below the surface of the gum tissue.

An extraction may also be necessary to remove extra teeth blocking the eruption of any adjacent teeth, or if adult teeth do not have the proper space to erupt. The process is a combined effort between Dr. Plant and the patient’s orthodontist. Each case is evaluated individually. It’s important to address impacted teeth as soon as possible, for the most favorable orthodontic outcome.

Exposing a Tooth for Bonding/Bracketing

One of the main reasons an impacted tooth needs to be exposed is because it cannot erupt into its usual location. This may be due to several factors, including:

Poor positioning
Lack of space in the mouth
Abnormal growth patterns

The most common teeth that need to be exposed, excluding wisdom teeth, are the upper canine teeth. The cuspid is a critical tooth within the dental arch, and these teeth need to erupt into their correct position in the dental arch, as they play a very important role in a patient’s bite.

The Procedure

Step 1:

Dr Plant will administer IV sedation to the patient to ensure their comfort throughout the procedure.

Step 2:

Dr. Plant will surgically expose the impacted tooth and remove any bone or soft tissue that may be preventing the tooth from erupting.

Step 3:

Dr. Plant will use a bonding material to adhere an orthodontic bracket and chain to the exposed tooth. The bracket and chain are the tools the patient’s orthodontist will use to slowly guide the tooth into its correct position over time.

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