SURGICALLY ASSISTED TOOTH ERUPTION

If you are undergoing oral surgery in Cleveland TN, you may need extra space for teeth that have not yet erupted. With or without adequate spacing, some teeth, particularly the canines or eyeteeth, may be impacted and lack space to fully erupt into the mouth. With combined efforts, Dr. McCord and the Ocoee Oral Surgery staff can surgically assist in tooth eruption, exposure, and bonding for your individual treatment and oral care.

WHAT IS TOOTH EXPOSURE?

Tooth exposure is a simple surgical procedure in which the gum is lifted on top of the impacted tooth to expose the hidden tooth underneath, assisting the tooth in eruption. If there is still a baby tooth present, it will be removed at the same time.

WHAT IS TEETH BONDING?

Teeth bonding involves uncovering the impacted tooth, and bonding an orthodontic attachment to it, then replacing the gum tissue over the tooth. The attachment is then connected to a gold chain that is used to apply traction to gently coax the tooth into position.

EXPOSURE & BONDING

Once a tooth is exposed, Dr. McCord will bond a bracket to the exposed tooth– essentially, making a channel, allowing the tooth to erupt with less resistance. This channel may leave the impacted tooth completely exposed by stitching the gum high above the tooth or making a window in the gum surrounded the impacted tooth.

For patients with braces, Ocoee Oral Surgery encourages you to see your orthodontist shortly after exposure and bonding. Once the orthodontist observes your progress, the tooth may spontaneously erupt on its own, or  professional assistance may be required to help guide the tooth into its proper place.

SINGLE VERSUS MULTI-ROOTED TEETH

After assessing the impacted teeth, Ocoee Oral Surgery may require more than one procedure– likely one for each tooth. Though less common, both sets of eyeteeth may be impacted. Because your front teeth are single-rooted, they are easier to erupt. However, molar teeth are bigger and have larger roots.

WHAT IF YOUR TOOTH DOES NOT COME IN?

Impacted teeth can be stubborn to erupt. In some cases, the lack of tooth may be from a developed condition called Ankylosis. This is the abnormal adhesion of teeth to bone, resulting in a tooth’s permanent inability to erupt. Treatment considerations include leaving the tooth and placing a bridge, or surgically removing the tooth and placing a dental implant. In either case, Dr. McCord and the Ocoee Oral Surgery staff will help you identify the next steps if your tooth does not come in.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SURGICALLY ASSISTED TOOTH ERUPTION

For more information and solution options, consult your regular dentist or contact Ocoee Oral Surgery regarding exposure and teeth bonding in Cleveland, TN and the surrounding area. To schedule an appointment, call our office at 423-479-8544.