Canine Exposure

Expose and Bond

Sometimes, teeth don’t erupt through the gum and instead remain stuck in either bone or tissue. This happens most often with wisdom teeth, although canine teeth also become impacted. Not only do canines serve a practical function when eating, their location in the front of your mouth affects your smile, and thus your appearance. Additionally, impacted teeth may negatively affect nearby teeth, become infected, or form cysts. A specialist dentist known as a periodontist can fix this problem with a treatment called canin exposure or expose and bond.

Canine Exposure

Expose and Bond Procedure

Your periodontist administers a local anesthetic and then creates an incision to expose the impacted tooth. In the event the baby tooth also did not erupt, the doctor removes it to expose the adult tooth. Next, an orthodontic bracket is attached to the newly exposed tooth before connecting a chain on the bracket to an orthodontic arch wire. Typically, the gum is now sutured closed, leaving the chain exposed through a small hole. Within two weeks, you return to your orthodontist where he or she attaches a rubber band to the chain. This adds a light pulling force on the chain, and therefore the impacted tooth, to begin moving it to its proper position. The process may take up to a year to ensure the tooth erupts properly. Once the impacted tooth erupts fully, your dentist inspects the surrounding tissue for health. 

Expose and Bond

Recovery

Do not disturb the wound and follow your post op instructions that will be sent home with you. The first few days after surgery, keep physical activity to a minimum. If you do exercise, stop if throbbing or bleeding occurs or you become lightheaded. Expect light bleeding, swelling, and possibly bruising in the first few days after surgery. Apply ice packs to minimize these effects. You may also take OTC pain medications for mild pain management. Your doctor may prescribe medication for severe pain. Drink plenty of fluids, but do not use a straw, and limit your diet to soft foods. Avoid hot foods and liquids, and chew away from the surgical site.

Maintain oral hygiene with regular, careful brushing, taking care to rinse and spit gently. Rinse twice a day with a cup of lukewarm water and a teaspoon of salt, starting the day after surgery and continuing throughout the healing period. This keeps your wound clean.

Dental Health

Meet the Periodontist 

Our office takes pride in offering the highest quality of dental care. North Texas Dental Surgery has offices in Grapevine, Plano and McKinney Texas. We offer the most competitive cash prices, third party financing options and we are in network with a majority of dental PPO insurance plans. Why not come in for your consultation and 3D scan today? Journey with us through a stress free dental experience.