Impacted Tooth Exposure & Bracketing | Expert Oral Surgeons in MN & WI

Impacted teeth, especially upper canines (eyeteeth), can disrupt proper dental development if left untreated. At The Oral Surgery Center, our skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in exposing impacted teeth and collaborating with your orthodontist to guide them into proper position, preserving both function and aesthetics.

What Is an Impacted Tooth?

An impacted tooth is one that fails to emerge or develop properly due to obstruction or misalignment. While wisdom teeth are the most common impacted teeth, the upper canine teeth (located in the upper jaw) are the second most frequent. These teeth are essential to your bite and play a key role in maintaining your oral and facial health.

When canine teeth become impacted, they can affect your overall oral alignment, causing complications with chewing, speech, and even facial appearance.

Why Early Detection and Treatment Matter

Upper canines usually begin to erupt around ages 11 to 13. However, when they don’t, it’s critical to intervene early. Our experienced team uses advanced diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays and 3D scans, to evaluate the positioning of your teeth and determine if surgery and orthodontic intervention are needed.

Delayed or untreated impacted teeth can lead to:

• Damage to adjacent teeth

• Complications with orthodontic treatment

• Misalignment of the bite

• Aesthetic concerns, especially in the smile

Our Surgical Approach: Exposure & Bracketing

If the canine tooth is impacted and has not emerged, we use a technique called surgical exposure to uncover the tooth. This procedure allows us to safely access the impacted tooth, removing any tissue or bone blocking its eruption path.

Once exposed, we often place a bracket on the tooth and attach it to the braces or a separate wire. This enables the orthodontist to slowly and safely move the tooth into place. The goal is always to preserve the natural tooth, avoiding extraction whenever possible.

Treatment Process:

1. Comprehensive Evaluation: Diagnostic X-rays and 3D imaging to determine the position and condition of the impacted tooth.

2. Surgical Exposure: A minimally invasive procedure to uncover the impacted tooth, which often involves creating a small flap in the gum.

3. Bracketing & Guidance: Attachment of a small orthodontic bracket to the exposed tooth to allow gentle movement into its proper position over time.

4. Post-Surgery Care: Follow-up visits to monitor progress and ensure proper alignment with the help of your orthodontist.

When Is It Needed?

Exposure of impacted teeth is often needed when:

• The canine tooth has failed to erupt and is obstructed.

• There is a risk of misalignment or damage to adjacent teeth.

• You want to avoid tooth extraction and preserve your natural tooth.

Benefits of Exposure and Bracketing

• Preserve Your Natural Teeth: Whenever possible, exposure and bracketing allow us to preserve the impacted tooth, preventing the need for extraction and maintaining your natural smile.

• Restore Proper Function: Aligning impacted teeth helps improve your bite, speech, and chewing function.

• Prevent Further Complications: Treatment prevents the long-term effects of untreated impacted teeth, such as damage to neighboring teeth or jaw development issues.

• Aesthetic Improvements: Bracketing and exposing impacted teeth improves facial symmetry and enhances the appearance of your smile.

Post-Surgery Care & Recovery

After the exposure procedure, you may experience mild discomfort, swelling, and slight bruising. Here’s what to expect:

• Pain Management: Most discomfort is mild and can be managed with prescribed pain medications or over-the-counter pain relievers.

• Swelling: Swelling usually peaks within 48 hours and will gradually subside.

• Diet: Stick to soft foods for a few days to minimize discomfort around the surgical site.

• Oral Hygiene: Keep the area clean and avoid touching the surgical site. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions to prevent infection.

• Follow-up Visits: Regular check-ups will ensure proper healing and coordination with your orthodontist to guide the tooth into position.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is exposure of an impacted tooth painful?

While the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, you may feel mild discomfort afterward. We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to manage any pain.

How long does it take for an impacted tooth to move into place after exposure?

The process can take several months, depending on the severity of the impaction and your individual treatment plan with your orthodontist.

Can impacted teeth cause other dental problems?

Yes, if left untreated, impacted teeth can lead to misalignment, damage to neighboring teeth, and jaw complications. Early treatment helps prevent these issues.

What if the impacted tooth doesn’t erupt after exposure?

In rare cases, additional surgical intervention may be required. Your surgeon and orthodontist will discuss options if this occurs.