Tooth Exposure

Tooth exposure is a safe and effective method for helping teeth erupt and moving them to the proper position to ensure these types of issues do not develop.

Tooth Exposure

Tooth exposure is a safe and effective method for helping teeth erupt and moving them to the proper position to ensure these types of issues do not develop.

Tooth Exposure in Port Huron, MI

When a primary or permanent tooth does not erupt naturally, many issues can occur, including tooth crowding, which can cause teeth to become misaligned, as well as an increased risk of developing infections, cysts, and in rare cases, noncancerous tumors. One of the most effective methods for correcting an impacted tooth is through tooth exposure. Tooth exposure is a safe and effective method for helping teeth erupt and moving them to the proper position to ensure these types of issues do not develop. Although the process of performing tooth exposure can vary depending upon where the tooth is located and how it is impacted, the tooth exposure process typically involves placing a bracket with a chain attached over the tooth, and gradually pulling the tooth over a series of appointments until the tooth erupts.

There are several underlying reasons why a tooth may become impacted, the most common of which are:

  • Arch length/tooth size discrepancies
  • Abnormally positioned tooth bud abnormally positioned
  • Prolonged retention or early loss of primary canine
  • Large curves of the root
  • Tooth fused to the bone

At Periodontic Associates of Port Huron, we are committed to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. In addition to offering treatment to expose impacted teeth, our office provides a range of services, ranging from regular periodontal maintenance, laser dentistry protocols, bone grafting procedures, dental implants, and more. Whatever your needs may be, our team is on hand to create a treatment plan designed to improve your oral health. To learn more about tooth exposure, please read below. To schedule an appointment for this or any other procedure, new patients can contact us at (810) 987-1400 and current patients can contact us at (810) 987-1400.

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Periodontal & Dental Implant Specialists

Become a patient of our practice and you will be treated to an unparalleled dental experience. We pride ourselves on going the extra mile to take care of our patients and consistently provide the high level of service you deserve.

What to Expect During the Tooth Exposure Procedure

Prior to scheduling a procedure for tooth exposure, we will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, bite, plaque and bone structure and review your medical and oral health history. It will also be necessary to take an X-Ray or other diagnostic exam to determine if the tooth is impacted palatally or buccally. Once this is determined, the tooth exposure procedure will typically include the following steps:

  • A local anesthetic and/or dental sedation is administered to reduce pain, discomfort, and/or anxiety during the procedure.
  • Once you are properly numbed/sedated, gum tissue is removed to access the tooth.
  • A bracket with a chain is placed over your tooth, which will be used to facilitate the eruption process.
  • Once the bracket is secured and in place, the area is sutured shut, allowing just enough room for the chain to remain accessible.
  • At your follow-up appointment (which is typically scheduled within 1-2 weeks), a rubber band is attached to the chain to gradually pull the tooth to its proper position for eruption. This process will continue until the eruption process is complete.

How Much Does Tooth Exposure Cost?

At Periodontic Associates of Port Huron, we are committed to making sure you understand what the cost of treatment will be and will do everything we can to help you maximize your dental health benefits and explore third-party financing plans if necessary. One of our business coordinators will be happy to conduct a complimentary benefits analysis for you when you are in the office.

If you do not have insurance and are concerned about the cost of periodontal care, you are not alone. We understand that cost of periodontal treatment is one of the biggest concerns our patients have and are committed to ensuring our patients receive the care they deserve, and that cost of treatment does not prevent this from happening. To learn more about all the financial options we offer, contact our office today.

For your convenience, we accept cash, check, credit cards, and financing.

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Professionals

Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain a beautiful and healthy smile for life. Let our experienced team create a treatment plan that will improve your oral health and enhance your quality of life.

Aftercare Instructions Following Tooth Exposure

Following tooth exposure, it is essential that you closely follow aftercare instructions provided by your periodontist. In addition to following these instructions, additional steps you can take to minimize post-procedural issues include:

  • Discomfort or pain can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain relieving medication. Follow recommended dosages, and if prescribed painkillers, take as directed until the prescription runs out.
  • Swelling can be controlled by placing ice packs over the affected area for ten to fifteen minutes at a time. It is important to not leave the ice pack on for too long, as doing so reduces blood flow, which can slow the healing process.
  • Avoid using a straw, rinsing, or spitting for 24 hours.
  • Do not brush or floss for the first 24 hours. When you resume your oral hygiene routine, practice gentle brushing techniques as the area heals. You may begin flossing your natural teeth, but do not use floss on the dental implant.
  • Avoid hard or crunchy foods and follow a soft food diet (yogurt, pudding, applesauce, soup), slowly reintroducing harder foods as discomfort subsides and healing progresses.
  • Rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 48 hours, possibly longer depending on the severity of your case.

Beautiful Smiles
Last a Lifetime

Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain a beautiful and healthy smile for life. Whether this can be achieved with dental implants, bone grafting procedures, laser dentistry protocols, or other periodontal services, we will work to ensure you can maintain that beautiful smile for years to come.

Personalized Care and High Quality Services

At Periodontic Associates of Port Huron, you can be confident that you will have an unparalleled dental experience. Our team of experienced and dedicated professionals are committed to providing the highest level of periodontal support and taking time to get to know our patients. We believe that developing this level of trust and open communication is an essential component to understanding your unique needs and providing you with optimal care.

If you have additional questions about tooth exposure or would like to schedule an appointment, new patients can contact us at (810) 987-1400 and current patients can contact us at (810) 987-1400.

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