Tooth Exposure for Orthodontic Assistance
When the dental industry talks about tooth exposure they are referring to an impacted tooth that has not erupted. The most common occurrence of this scenario is the third molar, or the wisdom tooth. These teeth often remain impacted and is either left or is extracted. Over five million people have their wisdom teeth removed, either pulled or extracted, every year.
The issue to address here is that if the tooth that is impacted is not the wisdom tooth, but another tooth that plays an important role in teeth alignment, in your bite pattern, and most importantly, in your smile. Let’s take a look at what might cause this unique situation and the possible solutions to get that tooth extracted. There are options and Dr. Pan will do what is best for you and that tooth.
Different Solutions to Aid with the Tooth Eruption
Dr. Pan is able to use the Cone Beam CT scanner in the office to get a 3D image of the impacted tooth. Once that image is in hand a plan can be formulated.
The first scenario and a common solution is to place braces on the teeth in that arch, upper or lower, and move the teeth next to the impacted tooth to give it room to erupt. Once the tooth or teeth are moved and space is created often times the tooth will erupt on its own.
Through the monitoring of the process, if the tooth is not erupting, then the next scenario comes into play. The gum over the impacted tooth can be removed to expose the top surface of the tooth. A bracket can be cemented on to the impacted tooth and a small chain attached to the arch wire already in place. The chain and the arch wire will provide additional force and pressure to help pull or guide the impacted tooth out. It’s almost like a channel is carved out for the tooth to slide through. The objective here through this tooth exposure is to save the tooth, avoid any extraction, and get that natural tooth into its natural place in the alignment of the teeth. It’s hard to say whether this process happens quickly or even takes up to a year. Each case is different.
A front tooth is easier to deal with through this process because it has only one root. If it is a molar it will be more difficult because that tooth is both bigger and has two, larger roots that need to be encouraged to erupt.
Pan Orthodontics Philosophy
To treat our patients as our families and to treat others as how we want to be treated. From your first phone call to the moment your new smile is born, everything in our office is set up to ensure an excellent experience with us. We will always listen to you and improve with your suggestions.
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We will continue to keep up with the ever growing digital technologies to improve your orthodontic experience. We also commit to always help you find the most convenient time for your visit with us.