Tooth Exposure

Impacted teeth are teeth that fail to normally erupt through the gums and into their proper position in the dental arch. They remain trapped under the gum or in the jawbone, often due to a lack of space in the jaw or improper orientation of the developing tooth.

Exposure and traction of impacted teeth are surgical procedures performed to help an impacted tooth properly erupt through the gums and into its normal position in the dental arch. Before the procedure, the surgeon performs a thorough evaluation of the situation using simple or 3D dental x-rays to determine the exact position of the impacted tooth, its orientation, and its relationship to adjacent teeth and surrounding structures. Based on the evaluation, a treatment plan is developed to expose the impacted tooth and allow it to erupt through the gums. After exposing the impacted tooth, an orthodontic appliance may be attached to the tooth to help guide its eruption through the gums and into its proper position in the dental arch. Subsequently, light and controlled force is applied to the impacted tooth to gradually guide it through the gums and into its final position in the dental arch.