Exposure of Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth often doesn’t have symptoms. They are detected by your dentist during routine X-rays at checkups. When a tooth is blocked from breaking through the gums and erupting into the dental arch, it is considered impacted, and your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon. Some patients may experience symptoms associated with impaction, such as:

• Bad breath
• Difficulty or pain when chewing and biting
• A bad taste in your mouth
• Red or swollen gums

Treatment for an Impacted Tooth

When a tooth has failed to erupt, your oral surgeon and orthodontist work together to help it align and function properly. We will discuss the details of your treatment and your anaesthesia options during your first visit. Our office is equipped with advanced 3D imaging technology, which allows us to view the precise location and size of any impacted teeth.

During the procedure, your oral surgeon will expose the tooth from behind the gum and attach a bracket. Your orthodontist will attach the bracket to other orthodontia gear, such as wires or braces. The chain gradually pulls the tooth into the dental arch. Upon finishing treatment, your canine teeth will function properly and align with the other teeth in the dental arch.

Why Should I Have a Tooth Exposed?

Just because you’re not experiencing pain doesn’t mean there isn’t a problem. Impacted canines are often asymptomatic. When left untreated, a child can develop issues biting and chewing. It is rare that an impacted tooth will naturally fall into its correct place, making surgical intervention necessary. The roots of an impacted tooth aren’t where they should be, which poses a risk to adjacent teeth. Cysts can form around unerupted teeth and can lead to infection.