Tooth Exposure in Louisville, KY & New Albany, IN
Tooth exposure is a dental procedure to uncover a permanent tooth that has not erupted. To free the tooth that is stuck underneath the bone or impacted, we make a small incision through which your tooth can erupt. It is also common for children to have a permanent tooth that fails to erupt and requires the need for tooth exposure.
Some Common Causes of Impacted Teeth
An impacted tooth can be the result of a variety of reasons, but the most common reasons are:
- There are arch length or tooth size discrepancies.
- The loss of primary canine or prolonged retention.
- There are root dilacerations.
- The tooth bud is abnormally positioned.
- Ankylosis, which is the tooth fused to the bone.
Are You or Your Child a Candidate for Tooth Exposure?
If your child has permanent teeth erupting but there is a lack of adequate space for them to come in properly, they might need a tooth exposure. It is necessary that impacted teeth are given enough space to grow in to ensure the healthy harmony of a smile.
Wisdom teeth that are impacted are often removed, but teeth at the front of the mouth and major molars required for chewing need to be allowed to come in completely. Canine teeth can easily become impacted if the neighboring teeth do not provide adequate space. Also called eye teeth, these teeth should be saved if possible. Canines can develop in the wrong position when there is no room to erupt fully.
Impacted canine teeth are often at the roof of the mouth, behind other teeth. In some cases, the tooth may come in along the natural arch, but only the tip of the tooth is visible above the gum line.
Contact Our Practice Today
Our goal is to get you back to smiling and chewing with confidence. With our qualified staff and compassionate team, we will listen to your questions and desires to find the best solution for your dental health.
The Benefits of Tooth Exposure
To make sure the impacted tooth in yours or your child’s mouth is positioned correctly, a tooth exposure might be needed. The can quickly allow the shift of the impacted tooth away from its restrictions and allow PerioImplant Associates to reposition it into place.
If you have impacted canine teeth, you will notice a dramatic difference once your teeth are realigned and readjusted. These teeth are visible in your smile and can make a huge cosmetic difference. Your facial structure will also benefit as the canines provide support at the corners of the mouth when smiling and help keep the area above the lips plump and full.
Having impacted teeth uncovered will have major benefits for your long-term dental health. When the bite alignment pressure of your mouth is not evenly distributed, it can cause too much pressure on some teeth which will become overloaded and become damaged. Exposing the tooth, allowing it to erupt completely, provides the benefit of a complete and aligned arch, better biting and chewing ability, and a more correct occlusion or bite.
Tooth Exposure Treatment Costs
The cost of your tooth exposure will vary depending on your individual needs and your treatment plan. We will discuss with you the cost of your tooth exposure treatment and your available payment options before we begin, so that you can make the best choice for your family situation.
The Tooth Exposure Process
Before the procedure begins for you or your child, PerioImplant Associates will perform an examination to determine the exact position of the problematic tooth. We will take x-rays or a CT scan to determine the best approach for exposing the tooth.
If it is a simple procedure, PerioImplant Associates will begin by administering a local anesthetic. Once adequately numb, we start lifting the gum tissue over the tooth, which will allow us to place a bracket if needed. Following the placement of this bracket, we will attach a rubber band to the bracket and begin a gentle pulling force, which will start the gradual process of releasing the tooth to its correct place.
Post Procedure Aftercare
Following your tooth exposure, PerioImplant Associates will schedule a follow-up exam to make sure that the healing is going well. It will not be uncommon for you or your child to feel some soreness. To help alleviate the discomfort, over-the-counter pain-relievers can be used. It is also good to purchase a soft bristle toothbrush and be gentle when brushing.
The most important thing to do following the procedure is to continue practicing good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth or your child’s teeth twice daily and for at least two minutes each time and continue flossing regularly.
Along with these important at home care habits, the next best thing you can do is to schedule consistent preventative visits every six months. During these routine checkups, PerioImplant Associates can conduct consistent cleanings and monitor the overall state of your or your child’s oral health, catching issues before they develop.
Our Specialists Tell Our Story Best
Ramsey Burton, DMD
Dr. Ramsey Burton is originally from Nashville, TN. He received both his undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Louisville. Following dental school, he completed periodontal specialty training at the University of Kentucky.
Courtney Shearer, DMD, MS
Dr. Courtney Shearer was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She attended Washington and Lee University for her undergraduate degree. She then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry where she received her Doctorate in Dentistry.
Jodie Lusby, DMD, MSD
Dr. Jodie Lusby is a Board Certified Periodontist and grew up in Florence, KY. He attended the University of Kentucky where he received his biology degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then attended the Louisville School of Dentistry.
A Warm and Caring Welcome to Our Practice
Our entire team at PerioImplant Associates has one primary focus, and that is to serve you and your family. It can be natural for you or a child to be anxious about visiting the dentist, or even a dental specialist such as a periodontist. Understanding those feelings, we take our time in explaining the benefits of the procedure that is being proposed for you or your child’s health. Both offices, Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN, are trained to address any issues and concerns for all ages. We will share the aspects of periodontal treatment, introduce our staff, and explain any general office policies. Call us today about an evaluation for a tooth exposure procedure for you or a child. We will greet you and your child with a smile and will help improve healthy smiles.