Impacted Tooth Exposure
Correct Impacted Teeth
Most of the time, teeth grow into the dental arch with no problems. Occasionally, a tooth may become stuck under the gums and become impacted. This can happen to any tooth, but wisdom teeth and canines are particularly prone to impaction. When wisdom teeth become impacted, extraction is often recommended to avoid oral health complications, but when canines are impacted, they must be treated differently because they are crucial for a stable bite. It’s very important to treat impacted canine teeth as soon as possible because the longer they stay trapped under the gums, the more likely it is that their roots will develop and fuse with the jaw bone — reducing the chance for successful treatment.
The standard treatment for children, teens, and in some cases even adults with impacted canine teeth, is a very effective two-phase procedure called exposure and bonding. The procedure of exposing an impacted tooth is in our welcoming Pocatello and Blackfoot offices with local anesthesia or IV sedation to make sure that you or your child are comfortable and completely at ease. Some discomfort afterward is normal and to be expected, but don’t worry, your oral surgeon will discuss pain management options before any procedure takes place.
During the exposure and bonding process, patients will be treated first by their orthodontist who will use braces to make room for the impacted tooth to grow in properly. Next, your oral surgeon will surgically uncover the tooth (expose it) by making an incision in the gum and/or bone that is blocking the tooth and then install a small orthodontic bracket and chain to the tooth. The orthodontist will then use the bracket and chain to guide the impacted tooth over a period of a few months’ time into its proper location in your dental arch.
What causes an impacted tooth?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children should be seen by a dental professional by age 7 for an examination and imaging to track the development of the adult teeth. While most teeth grow in properly, they can become impacted due to
- Baby teeth that have not fallen out in time
- Abnormal growths that block the route of the tooth
- Dental crowding
We are proud to provide oral surgery services to patients of all ages, including young children and teens, and are experts in exposing impacted teeth so that they grow in properly. Our main goal is to focus on the individual needs of every patient and provide them with a comfortable and satisfying experience.
Exposure and Bonding in Pocatello and Blackfoot, ID
If your child requires treatment for impacted canines, we recommend you make an appointment for a consultation with one of our trusted oral surgeons. During this first visit, your doctor will create a personalized treatment plan for the safest and most comfortable procedure possible. Your child will be in the best hands with our kind and gentle staff. We know how to make sure children feel calm and comfortable during oral surgery procedures. Please contact us with any questions you may have or to schedule your consultation. Thank you for the opportunity to care for you and your family.
Anesthesia Options
Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho offers the following types of in-office anesthesia and sedation.
Patient Testimonials
Hear from our patients about their experiences with Impacted Tooth Exposure and other procedures.
"The surgery went really good. The staff here is really nice. They made me laugh after my surgery. Dr. Jepsen is really nice. He's probably one of my favorites."
"I like my friends here! They're very nice. We recommend Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho! We love Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho!"
"Dr. Baker's been very good, very detail-oriented. I've been extremely happy with the implant that he placed. I would give Dr. Baker five stars."
"Dr. Baker is amazing. He's actually really caring. The WUWTA videos explained everything in great detail. The procedure went really good. I feel great."
"The staff here is very warm and friendly. They make it simple so you can understand everything that's going to happen. Dr. Jepsen is a very warm individual."
"Dr. Baker showed me exactly what he would do, and he explained it in words that I could understand and just really calmed my nerves. The surgery went very well, and I was very pleased with the results. "
"Dr. Jepsen and his staff were super nice to me. The surgery went really well. Dr. Jepsen was super nice, and he talked me through everything."
"Dr. Jepsen made me feel comfortable and at ease. The informational videos really helped me understand what would be happening, making me feel prepared. The procedure went smoothly, and it's great to have a beautiful, healthy smile."
"My procedure went very well. I know I was in and out really quick. They did a great job getting me taken care of and I was able to return to my daily activities."
Southeastern Idaho’s Premier Oral Surgery Destination
When you visit Oral Surgery Specialists of Idaho, you’ll access quality oral health care delivered with compassion and respect. We adhere to the highest standards of care and prioritize your well-being. By leveraging decades of experience and advanced technology, we provide a comprehensive suite of services designed to address your unique needs. Discover premier oral surgery services by scheduling a consultation at our practice. We can’t wait to be a partner in your journey to better oral health.