Correcting Impacted Teeth for a Healthier Smile
Impacting teeth are common issues that can interfere with proper tooth eruption and alignment. Exposure of impacted teeth is a procedure designed to help orthodontists correct the position of these teeth, ensuring they align properly with the rest of the smile. This is often needed for impacted canines, which are essential for a functional bite and an aesthetically pleasing smile.
What is an Impacted Tooth?
An impacted tooth is one that fails to emerge properly into the dental arch. It may be blocked by another tooth, positioned too far back, or lodged in a way that prevents it from erupting naturally. Canines (eyeteeth), which are crucial for bite function, are most commonly impacted. Wisdom teeth are also prone to impaction but are often extracted due to the lack of functional need.
Impacting teeth, if left untreated, can lead to complications such as dental misalignment, cysts, or damage to adjacent teeth. The goal of exposing an impacted tooth is to create a clear pathway for it to erupt and align naturally with the other teeth.
Why is Exposure of Impacted Teeth Needed?
When a tooth is unable to erupt properly, it can cause several problems:
- Misaligned Bite: Impacted teeth, especially canines, can disrupt the natural alignment of your teeth and bite.
- Dental Damage: Impacted teeth can press against the roots of healthy teeth, potentially damaging them.
- Cysts or Pathology: In some cases, cysts or other complications can form around impacted teeth if they are left untreated.
Exposing the impacted tooth and guiding it into the proper position is a vital step in correcting these issues and ensuring the long-term health and alignment of your smile.
The Exposure of Impacted Teeth Procedure
The procedure to expose an impacted tooth is typically straightforward and involves the following steps:
- Consultation & Imaging: During your initial consultation, we assess the position of the impacted tooth using X-rays or 3D scans. This helps us understand the depth, location, and alignment of the impacted tooth.
- Surgical Exposure: The procedure begins with the creation of a small incision in the gum tissue to access the impacted tooth. The tooth is exposed, and any surrounding tissue that is blocking its eruption is removed.
- Bracketing the Tooth: In some cases, we attach an orthodontic bracket to the exposed tooth. This helps guide the tooth into the correct position over time, using gentle pressure.
- Healing: After the procedure, the gum tissue is sutured, and the healing process begins. The tooth will gradually move into place with the help of the orthodontic brackets. This process may take several months, depending on the tooth’s position and age of the patient.
Who Needs Exposure of Impacted Teeth?
Exposure of impacted teeth is typically recommended for patients who have:
- Impacted Canines: The upper canine teeth are critical for bite function and aesthetics. When these teeth are unable to emerge naturally, they need to be exposed and guided into position.
- Teeth Blocked by Other Teeth: Sometimes, other teeth or even baby teeth may block the eruption of permanent teeth.
- Cysts or Pathology Near Impacted Teeth: In some cases, cysts may form around the impacted teeth, and exposing the tooth helps resolve the issue.
A thorough examination and imaging will determine if exposure is the best treatment option for your specific case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Correct an Impacted Tooth?
If you or your child are dealing with an impacted tooth, exposure and orthodontic bracketing can help restore proper alignment and function. Don’t let an impacted tooth affect your smile. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start the path to a healthier, more confident smile.