Tooth exposure for Orthodontics
Orthodontic exposure is the process of exposing teeth that haven’t yet completely erupted from the gums. A tooth that hasn’t yet completely erupted from the gums is called an impacted tooth.
Impacted teeth may be stuck half in and out of the gums, putting the patient at risk for bacterial infection, dental decay, tooth crowding and other problems. Wisdom teeth often become impacted, but other types of teeth can as well.
Next to wisdom teeth, the canine teeth are the teeth that most often become impacted. These teeth are used to rip and bite food. Canine teeth are important for standard biting and chewing. When they’re impacted, it’s important to try to move them back into their normal position. Good functionality of the canine teeth can help you maintain proper ability to chew and digest food.
At Southern Ohio Oral & Facial Surgeons, we provide orthodontic tooth exposure for patients with impacted teeth. We provide evaluation, treatment plan creation, surgical exposure and follow up treatment for patients who have impacted teeth.
Safe and Effective Orthodontic Tooth Exposure
Before the impacted tooth can be brought down, there must be room made for the impacted tooth. Often, an orthodontist must fit braces onto your teeth surrounding the impacted tooth, to make room for the tooth. If any teeth are blocking the impacted tooth, they may need to be extracted with help from one of our oral surgeons. Next, the tooth is exposed with help from orthodontic tools that help the tooth erupt from the gums gradually over time.
Orthodontic treatment to coax an impacted tooth out of the gums can take up to two years to complete. Once the work is done, the teeth should be in alignment, and all teeth should be functioning properly. Having straight and properly erupted teeth is good for your smile. Everyone deserves to love their smile – and if you’re suffering from an impacted tooth, this procedure may help you love yours.
What happens if the impacted tooth won’t erupt from the gums?
Occasionally, an impacted tooth can’t be brought down into proper alignment. When this happens, the oral surgeon in Chillicothe, OH may recommend tooth extraction. If the tooth is extracted, it may be replaced with an artificial tooth. Your oral surgeon can talk to you about options.
Why Southern Ohio Oral & Facial Surgeons for Tooth Exposure
At Southern Ohio Oral & Facial Surgeons, we provide tooth exposure for patients in Chillicothe, OH. Here’s what you need to know about our offices:
- Reputable oral surgeon. Our patients can attest to our services – just read our online reviews.
- Excellent patient care. We value our patients and offer excellent patient care as well as a comfortable patient experience.
- Streamlined scheduling processes. Patients who contact Southern Ohio Oral & Facial Surgeons enjoy a streamlined scheduling process, so they can get started with their procedure as soon as possible.
Contact Us Today
If you have an impacted tooth that needs to be brought in alignment with your other teeth, call Southern Ohio Oral & Facial Surgeons to make an appointment for a consultation.
When this is done, the gum is put back in place. Stitches are used to hold the gums back in their original position and close the incision.
After the Procedure
When the procedure is finished, patients often experience swelling and bruising, and may experience some pain as well. Your oral surgeon will suggest pain relievers that can help manage pain, and may also prescribe antibiotics while you heal. The oral surgeon will also give you instructions to contact them if you have concerns at any point during the healing process.
Contact Us for Bone Grafting Information and Consultation
The team at Southern Ohio Oral & Facial Surgeons offer bone grafting in Chillicothe, OH to patients. To learn more about our bone grafting services, call today for a consultation.
