Tooth Exposure and Uncovery
Rockwall & Paris, Texas
Tooth exposure and uncovery may be recommended when a permanent tooth does not erupt naturally and remains trapped beneath the gum tissue or bone. While wisdom teeth are among the most commonly impacted teeth, other permanent teeth can also become impacted. Canine teeth are particularly important because they play a significant role in the appearance and function of the smile. Unlike impacted wisdom teeth, which are often removed, an impacted canine may be treated with the goal of helping it move into its proper position.
When a canine remains beneath the gums, periodontal treatment may be combined with orthodontic care to guide the tooth into the dental arch. During the exposure and uncovery procedure, we carefully uncover the impacted tooth so an orthodontic bracket and chain can be attached. The orthodontist can then use gentle, gradual pressure to guide the canine into the correct position alongside the surrounding teeth.
Addressing an impacted canine at the appropriate time can improve the likelihood of successful treatment and may help prevent problems involving nearby teeth. Dr. Hodges will work closely with your orthodontist to coordinate treatment and determine the best approach for your individual needs.
To learn more about tooth exposure and uncovery or other services offered at our office, please refer to the information below. To schedule an appointment for an evaluation, contact our Rockwall office at (972) 771-8640 or our Paris office at (903) 785-4832.
Tooth Exposure & Uncovery
Evaluation & Procedure
Prior to performing the tooth exposure/uncovery procedure, it will be necessary to schedule an initial evaluation, during which we will take diagnostic images to determine whether your tooth is impacted close to the lip or toward the palate. We will often take a dental CT (cone beam CT) scan of the tooth to help in determining the tooth’s exact location. Once we have completed this initial evaluation, we will answer any questions you have and schedule an appointment for the tooth exposure/uncovery procedure.
Before performing the tooth exposure/uncovery procedure, we will first administer a local anesthetic to ensure you experience minimal discomfort, along with dental sedation, if necessary. Once you are sufficiently numbed and comfortable, the tooth exposure/uncovery procedure will begin by uncovering the tooth by removing surrounding gum and bone. A dressing may be placed over the tooth or an orthodontic bracket, and a gold chain will be bonded onto the tooth, which can be used by the orthodontist to facilitate proper eruption. Once this part of the procedure is completed, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor the healing and ensure the tooth is brought into the optimal position in the dental arch.
Tooth Exposure & Uncovery
Benefits of Procedure
The cosmetic benefit of having the tooth exposure/uncover procedure is that you will maintain the fullness of your smile, filling the empty space left by the impacted tooth. You will also avoid premature aging of your face, which can occur due to lips that appear to be thin and sunken in. In addition to avoiding this issue, the functional benefit of having this procedure performed is that it will ensure that a normal tooth-to-tooth relationship is in place and that there is a natural distribution of bite pressures while chewing. This will not be the case following the loss of the long-rooted canine teeth, which can then cause other teeth to become damaged and/or overloaded.
Tooth Exposure & Uncovery
Aftercare Instructions
Prior to your tooth exposure and uncovery procedure, you may need to arrange for a ride to and from the office if dental (oral and IV) sedation is administered. Following your tooth uncovering procedure, it is normal to experience some pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain-relieving medication like Ibuprofen, and application of ice to the swollen or tender area for fifteen to twenty-minute intervals is usually sufficient in managing pain and swelling. If pain medication or antibiotics are prescribed following your tooth extraction, take as prescribed until your prescription is done. During the initial healing period, it is also important to avoid spitting, using straws, and/or smoking. It is also recommended that you only eat soft foods for the first few days following your procedure and slowly begin reintroducing harder foods until you no longer feel discomfort.
Tooth Exposure & Uncovery
Costs associated
The cost of tooth exposure uncovery will largely depend on whether any additional procedures are being performed, what type of dental sedation is used, and your dental insurance plan. It is also important to factor in the cost of the initial visit and any follow-up appointments that may be necessary.
For patients who are covered under a dental insurance plan, although we are not in-network, we will gladly help prepare and file your claim to ensure you receive your maximum reimbursement. Payment is due in full on the day of treatment. We accept cash, check, Visa, Discover, Mastercard, and American Express. If you are concerned about the cost of receiving treatment, please know that we offer our patients Compassionate Finance, which offers a variety of payment solutions with fixed interest rates and manageable monthly payments, and CareCredit®, which offers 24-month payment plans with zero interest, as well as low-interest financing for 24-60 months.
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