Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry

Tooth Exposure

Tooth exposure uncovery is a dental procedure where Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry uncovers a permanent tooth that did not erupt. To expose the tooth that is stuck underneath the bone or impacted by the gum, we first make a small incision through which this tooth can erupt. The most common tooth exposure happens when your wisdom teeth fail to erupt due to being at an angle, overlapping with molars, or crowding. It is common for a child to have permanent teeth that do not erupt and require tooth exposure uncovery.

Your compassionate team at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is wholly committed to providing you, your family, and every patient with comprehensive periodontal care that improves your oral health and daily function. We pride ourselves on offering a safe, comfortable, and relaxing environment to ensure all patients receive the personalized care and treatment that is expected and deserved. You will find us to excel in effective communication, both in listening and sharing examination objectives. With our initiative-taking engagement in the dental industry and the constant innovative technological improvements offered, each exam and corresponding treatment is completely personalized. Call Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at 502-570-5700 with any questions or to make an appointment for a tooth exposure evaluation.

Common Causes of Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth might be the result of a variety of reasons, but common causes include:

  • The tooth bud is abnormally positioned.
  • Root dilacerations.
  • The loss of primary canine or prolonged retention.
  • Arch length or tooth size discrepancies.
  • Ankylosis: the tooth is fused to bone.

Who Needs Tooth Exposure Uncovery?

A child whose permanent teeth are erupting but lacks enough space for a tooth to come in would benefit from tooth exposure uncovery. It is important that impacted teeth are given enough space to erupt to contribute to the harmony of their smile.

Impacted wisdom teeth are quite often removed, but front teeth and major molars should be allowed to erupt fully. Canine teeth can become impacted easily when the neighboring teeth crowd and do not provide enough space for proper eruption. These teeth are essential for biting and chewing and should be saved.

The team at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry often finds canine teeth in the upper arch stuck behind teeth. The tooth comes in along with the natural arch, but just the tip of the tooth is visible above the gum line. Canine teeth look small when only the tip is visible, and the remainder of the tooth is still buried under the gum.

Benefits of Tooth Exposure

To allow the impacted teeth in either your or your child’s mouth to be positioned appropriately, tooth exposure uncovery will be beneficial. This procedure can be performed quickly and easily at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry to encourage the impacted tooth to shift away from the restriction, which allows us to reposition it into place.

Your child will notice a dramatic change after their impacted teeth are readjusted and realigned. After being uncovered and properly aligned, there will be a noticeable cosmetic difference. The facial structure of your child will benefit considerably because the canines provide important support for the corners of the mouth and keep the area above the lips plump and full.

Uncovering impacted teeth will have major benefits for long-term dental health for either you or your child. When the bite pressure is not distributed evenly and all teeth meet simultaneously between arches, it causes some teeth to be overloaded, resulting in accelerated damage and wear. With tooth exposure uncovery, the tooth erupts completely, providing added benefits in the form of a thorough and aligned arch, better biting and chewing ability, and a natural, healthy occlusion or bite alignment.

The Tooth Exposure Uncovery Process

Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry will begin with the administration of a local anesthetic to ensure there is no discomfort during your procedure. We next expose the tooth surgically. The surgery only takes about 30 minutes, based on the extent of the impaction. We make a small incision through the gummy tissue, exposing the crown of the tooth, including any surrounding tissue. Some bone tissue may need to be removed to unblock the pathway if necessary.

When the impacted tooth is exposed through your gum, a small bracket is then attached to the tooth, much like an orthodontic appliance, and then it is 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 uncovery, Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry schedules a follow-up appointment to confirm that either you or your child is healing properly. It is not unusual to feel some minor soreness after this procedure. To reduce any discomfort, you can simply take an over-the-counter pain-relieving medication. It will also be best to acquire a soft bristle toothbrush and to be gentle while brushing.

The most important thing you can do following your procedure is to continue practicing daily, good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth diligently twice a day for two minutes each time and floss regularly. It is also strongly advised to continue with preventative checkups every six months with Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry for overall evaluations and regular professional teeth cleaning.

Your Smile is Our Number One Priority

Our treatment philosophy at Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is focused on patient education and the enhancement of your quality of life. We provide gentle, affordable, and painless periodontal care. We prioritize providing each patient with the information they need to make confident, informed decisions regarding their personal oral health treatment. Our experience is foundational in giving you restoratively minded periodontal treatment customized for your unique needs.

Our team specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and in the placement of dental implants. We consider ourselves experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. We have received extensive education and training in these areas. We are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, and we are also trained in performing cosmetic periodontal procedures.

You can find Georgetown Periodontics & Implant Dentistry at:

107 Frazier Ct., 1D, Georgetown, KY

Or call us today at 502-570-5700