Orthodontic Exposure in Princeton and Flemington, NJ

An orthodontic exposure is a common and straightforward surgical procedure that is performed in conjunction with orthodontic (braces) treatment. Its purpose is to uncover an impacted tooth, allowing your orthodontist to gently guide it into its proper position in the dental arch. The board-certified oral surgeons at West Jersey Oral, Maxillofacial, & Dental Implant Surgery work closely with local orthodontists to ensure a seamless and successful experience for our patients.

What is an Impacted Tooth?

An impacted tooth is one that is "stuck" and cannot properly erupt into the mouth on its own. This can be caused by overcrowding, the tooth growing in the wrong direction, or other factors. After the wisdom teeth, the maxillary cuspid, also known as the canine or "eye tooth," is the most common tooth to become impacted.

The canine tooth plays a critical role in your dental arch. It is essential for a proper bite and helps to guide your other teeth into position. Because it is such an important tooth for both function and aesthetics, your orthodontist and oral surgeon will make every effort to save an impacted canine and guide it into place rather than extracting it.

When is an Orthodontic Exposure Necessary?

An orthodontic exposure is a key part of the treatment plan to save an impacted tooth. This procedure is often ideal for:

• Patients, typically adolescents, whose permanent canine tooth has not erupted within the normal timeframe.
• Cases where an X-ray has confirmed that a tooth is impacted and will not erupt on its own.
• Situations where the impacted tooth needs to be brought into the dental arch to prevent damage to the roots of adjacent teeth.
• Anyone undergoing orthodontic treatment who needs a surgical procedure to facilitate the proper alignment of their teeth.

Our Approach to Orthodontic Exposures

The team at West Jersey Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery has extensive experience performing orthodontic exposure procedures. We work hard to ensure exceptional results and a smooth recovery.

1. A Collaborative Team Approach: We work closely with your orthodontist to coordinate every step of the process. Your orthodontist is responsible for creating the space for the impacted tooth with braces, and after our surgical procedure, they will take over to gently guide the tooth into its final position.

2. Meticulous 3D Planning: Your care begins with a comprehensive evaluation, which includes an advanced 3D CBCT scan. This detailed imaging allows our surgeons to precisely locate the impacted tooth in three dimensions and to see its relationship to the roots of the surrounding teeth, which is critical for planning a safe procedure.

3. Smooth Surgical Procedures: This is a comfortable in-office procedure. Your surgeon will administer the appropriate anesthesia and then make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the hidden, impacted tooth. A small orthodontic bracket with an attached chain is then bonded to the exposed tooth. The chain is left accessible for your orthodontist to later attach to your braces.

4. Anesthesia for Your Comfort: The comfort of our patients, many of whom are adolescents, is our top priority. We offer a full range of anesthesia options for this procedure, from local anesthetic and nitrous oxide to IV sedation, to ensure a completely calm and anxiety-free experience.