Impacted Tooth Exposure

When a tooth is stuck beneath the gums and does not have a clear path for eruption, it is considered impacted. Wisdom teeth can become impacted because there is no room for them in the mouth, but since they are unnecessary for oral function, they are simply extracted. Canine teeth can also become impacted. These teeth are important for guiding your bite and every effort is made to save them. When a canine tooth is impacted, a treatment known as expose and bond is performed to help it erupt.

Dr. Larson, a dual-degree oral surgeon and physician, treats impacted canine teeth in Norton Shores, MI. Using advanced 3D scanning technology, we can create detailed 3D images of your mouth to view the position of the impacted tooth and help guide it into the dental arch. Treatment for an impacted tooth should begin during childhood to prevent numerous dental issues. If your child has an impacted canine tooth, contact Breakwater Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implants to schedule a consultation.

The Importance of Early Treatment for Impacted Canine Teeth

The older a patient becomes, the less likely it is for an impacted canine tooth to erupt naturally. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends bringing your child to an orthodontist by the age of 7 to detect issues like missing or impacted teeth. If an impacted canine tooth is detected, your orthodontist will refer you to an oral surgeon to begin the expose and bond treatment.

An untreated canine tooth is susceptible to tooth decay due to lack of dental hygiene. This decay can then spread to other teeth. Canine teeth are meant to absorb most of the impact of chewing, and if both canine teeth are not present, other teeth may become prematurely worn due to extra pressure. Treating an impacted tooth early helps prevent these issues and ensure all teeth are functioning properly.

The Expose and Bond Process

Expose and bond is performed to treat an impacted tooth. It is a joint effort between your oral surgeon, who surgically exposes the tooth and attaches a bracket, and your orthodontist, who uses braces to pull the tooth into its proper position. In most scenarios, your orthodontist will use braces to create space for the canine tooth in the dental arch. When enough space is ready, your oral surgeon will attach a bracket to the impacted tooth.

When you bring your child to Breakwater Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implants, we will take 3D scans of his or her mouth to view the location of the impacted tooth. These detailed images allow Dr. Larson to create a surgical plan with great precision. We offer many anesthesia and sedation options to choose from and, as a surgeon and physician, Dr. Larson will ensure your child’s comfort and safety during treatment. Most expose and bond surgeries are performed using a local anesthetic.

On the day of your child’s procedure, Dr. Larson will numb the area and make a small incision in the gum tissue. After the tooth is exposed, he will attach an orthodontic bracket to the tooth. This bracket has a gold chain attached that Dr. Larson will attach to the wire of your child’s braces. Orthodontic treatment will help guide the tooth into its proper position, correct other orthodontic issues, and promote better long-term oral health for your child.

Treatment for Impacted Canines in Norton Shores, MI

If your child has an impacted canine tooth, we invite you to contact Breakwater Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implants in Norton Shores, MI, for treatment. Dr. Larson and his team create a warm and friendly atmosphere where young patients and their families can feel comfortable. We look forward to caring for all of your family’s oral surgery needs and promoting a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.