Teeth Exposure
Sometimes a tooth becomes impacted, meaning that it never emerges and stays locked in the bone socket. An impacted tooth can happen for a number of reasons, but the longer it stays there, the more at risk you are of having complications. Teeth exposure procedures at Bay Area OSM expose the impacted tooth so steps can be taken to relieve you of your pain. Call any of our offices to make an appointment today or book online.
Why does an impacted tooth even matter?
Not only does an impacted tooth cause pain and discomfort, there are a number of serious risks that come from ignoring an impacted tooth. Some of these include:
- Increased risk of abscess
- TMJ problems
- Facial swelling
- Trouble opening your mouth
- Risk of infection
- Sepsis
A teeth exposure procedure allows your Bay Area OSM provider to view your impacted tooth and either remove it, or move it into place using an orthodontic procedure, such as the grid & chain procedure.
Why do I need a teeth exposure procedure?
An impacted tooth needs to be freed from its socket before serious problems arise. In fact, the longer you leave an impacted tooth the greater chance it has of fusing with the bone. A teeth exposure procedure at Bay Area OSM allows your surgeon access to the impacted tooth. A small bit of your gums and underlying bone is cut away to reveal the tooth inside. At that point it is either removed, or the orthodontic process of moving the tooth into place can begin.
Will I have to hide my smile after a teeth exposure procedure?
Due to its name, many people are afraid their tooth and bone socket will be exposed to the world. Most times that is not the case. If you are using the grid & chain method of moving an impacted tooth into place, your gums will be sewn around the bracket and only a tiny portion of the chain will be visible.
If your impacted tooth is removed, your gums will be neatly sewn shut so nobody will be able to see any exposed bone. In a few weeks after everything has healed, nobody will be able to tell you had the procedure in the first place.
If you have an impacted tooth and want to be rid of the pain, call one of our Bay Area OSM offices to schedule your teeth exposure procedure or conveniently book your appointment online.
