Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

Tooth Exposure

Tooth exposure uncovery is a procedure where Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. exposes a permanent tooth that has not erupted. To reveal the tooth from being stuck underneath the bone or enclosed by the gum, we first make a small incision through which your tooth is allowed to erupt. The most common situation for tooth exposure happens when your wisdom teeth do not erupt because they are at an angle, overlapped with molars, or crowded. It is also quite common for a child to have permanent teeth that fail to erupt and then require the need for tooth exposure uncovery.

Beginning with your first visit with Periodontal and Implants Associates, Inc., our entire dental team is committed to establishing a relationship with you, acknowledging your unique individual needs, and striving effortlessly to provide personalized oral health care to meet your goals.

We focus on creating the ultimate stress-free and comfortable dental experience. Your health and comfort are our top priorities, and we will do what is necessary to help you understand your symptoms and your treatment options in a relaxed environment. Call Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at (256) 734-8588 with any questions or to make an appointment for a tooth exposure uncovery examination.

Common Causes of Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth can be the result of an assortment of reasons, but the most common causes include:

  • The tooth bud is abnormally positioned.
  • Root dilacerations.
  • The loss of primary canine or prolonged retention.
  • There are arch length or tooth size discrepancies.
  • Ankylosis, which is the tooth is fused to bone.

Who is a Candidate for Tooth Exposure?

A child whose permanent teeth are erupting yet lacks adequate space for a permanent tooth to erupt may benefit from tooth exposure. It is essential that all impacted teeth are given enough space to grow in to contribute to the harmony of their smile.

Impacted wisdom teeth are quite often removed, but teeth at the front of your mouth and any major molars need to be exposed to erupt completely. Canine teeth can easily become impacted when the neighboring teeth do not provide enough room for proper eruption. These teeth are used for biting and chewing and need to be saved.

Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. will often find canine teeth in the upper arch stuck behind another tooth. The tooth begins to come in along the natural arch, but just the tip of the tooth is visible above the gum line. Canine teeth look small when just the tip is showing, and the rest of the tooth remains buried under the gum.

Some Benefits of Tooth Exposure

To ensure the impacted teeth in either your or your child’s mouth are properly positioned, tooth exposure uncovery could be beneficial. This procedure can be done quickly and easily at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. to coax the impacted tooth away from the restriction and allow us to reposition it into the appropriate place.

Your child with an impacted canine tooth will notice an immediate and dramatic change once the teeth are readjusted and realigned. Once exposed and properly aligned, it will make a huge cosmetic difference. The facial structure and appearance of your child will benefit greatly since the canines provide natural support for the corners of the mouth and contribute to keeping the area above the lips both plump and full.

Having impacted teeth exposed will have major benefits for either you or your child’s long-term dental health. When the bite pressure is not distributed evenly along the arch and meets all teeth between arches, it will result in some teeth being overloaded with pressure, sustaining damage and wear. With tooth exposure, the tooth will erupt fully, providing additional benefits of a complete and aligned arch, better biting and chewing ability, and even a more normal occlusion or bite alignment.

The Tooth Exposure Uncovery Process

Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. will begin by administering a local anesthetic to ensure there is no discomfort with the procedure. We next expose the tooth surgically. The surgery only takes around 30 minutes, based on the extent of the impaction. We then make a small incision through the gummy tissue to expose the crown of the tooth, including the surrounding tissue. Some bone tissue may be removed to unblock the pathway if determined necessary.

Once the tooth is exposed through the gum, a small bracket is attached to the tooth, like braces, and it is then easily brought into alignment with the remainder of the arch of teeth. The tooth will erupt in about two to four months.

Post Procedure Aftercare

Following your tooth exposure, Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. will schedule a follow-up visit to confirm that either you or your child is healing properly. It is common to feel a little discomfort after this procedure. To help reduce discomfort, you can take an over-the-counter pain-reliever. It is also advised to purchase a soft-bristle toothbrush and to be gentle when brushing.

The most critical thing you can do after your procedure is to continue to practice your daily good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes each time and continue flossing regularly. It is also strongly suggested to schedule preventative checkups every six months with Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. for professional teeth cleaning and consistent overall evaluations.

We Change Lives One Smile at a Time

It is our mission at Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. to educate and provide every patient with the best periodontal and dental care found in Alabama. The attention to detail by our entire dental team achieves quality and successful dental results with healthy and beautiful smiles for all patients. We collaborate to realize a shared vision of excellence. We are committed to:

  • Listening to those we have the opportunity to serve.
  • Earn the trust and respect of every patient, profession, and community.
  • Exceeding your expectations.
  • Ensure a creative, challenging, and compassionate professional environment.
  • Striving for continuous improvement at all levels.

You can find Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc. at 315 Second St. SE, Cullman, AL, 35055. Or give us a call today at (256) 734-8588.

Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc.

Request an Appointment with Us

Name