Exposure of impacted teeth · Oakville

Helping impacted teeth come into place

Sometimes a tooth, most often an upper canine, stays trapped in the jaw. In a short procedure, our oral surgeons uncover the tooth and attach a small bracket so your orthodontist can guide it into position.

Book a consultation Call (905) 582-2188

We work with your orthodontist
Local anesthesia or sedation
3D CBCT planning
No referral needed

Team member preparing a patient in a treatment chair at Aspen Oral Surgery

Your consultationWe review your X-rays or 3D scan and plan the exposure with your orthodontist.

Why it happens

Why some teeth don’t come in

Upper canines are the teeth most often affected, followed by wisdom teeth and premolars. A tooth can get stuck because of crowding, an angled path, a baby tooth that doesn’t fall out, or an extra tooth or cyst in the way.

A baby canine still in place

Especially if it’s still there in the early teens.

A gap where a tooth should be

Or the adult tooth on the other side came in long ago.

A bump high on the gum

Sometimes felt on the cheek side or the palate.

Found on an X-ray

Often spotted by your dentist or orthodontist before any symptoms.

When caught early, removing the baby tooth sometimes lets the adult tooth come in on its own. Your orthodontist and surgeon will tell you whether that’s an option.

How it works

Expose, bond, then guide into place

Braces are usually placed first to make room. We then uncover the tooth and attach a small bracket with a fine chain, which your orthodontist uses to gently move the tooth down over the following months.

Upper teeth, front view, simplified.

Your treatment

What to expect

Most patients go back to school or work the next day.

1
Before
Braces and planning
Your orthodontist makes room. We review X-rays or a CBCT scan to locate the tooth precisely.
2
Surgery day
Exposure and bonding
With local anesthesia or sedation, we uncover the tooth and attach the bracket and chain.
3
First few days
Mild swelling
Some tenderness is normal. Soft foods and gentle cleaning.
4
One week
Gums heal
Any stitches dissolve. Your orthodontist can start applying gentle force.
5
Months
Tooth moves into place
Your orthodontist gradually guides the tooth into the arch.

Your surgical team

Oral surgeons who work with your orthodontist

We coordinate the timing and send a report to your orthodontist after surgery.

DMD, MSc, FRCD(C), Dipl. ABOMS

Dr. Martin Cloutier

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Trained in oral and maxillofacial surgery and anesthesia at the University of Toronto.

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DDS, MSc

Dr. Justin MacRae

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Completed a four-year residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

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Questions

Exposure of teeth FAQ

Don’t see your question? Call us at (905) 582-2188.

Why can’t the tooth come in on its own?

It may be blocked by crowding, another tooth, a retained baby tooth or a cyst, or it may be growing at an angle. Once the normal eruption window has passed, it rarely corrects itself.

Do I need braces for this treatment?

Usually, yes. The braces create space and provide the gentle force that guides the tooth into place after it’s exposed.

How long does it take for the tooth to move into place?

It varies with the tooth’s position and depth, usually several months to a year or more. Your orthodontist will give you a timeline.

Do all impacted teeth need exposure?

No. Some can be left and monitored, and others, like many wisdom teeth, are better removed. We’ll recommend the best option with your orthodontist.

Is it painful?

The area is fully numbed, and sedation is available. Most patients have mild soreness for a few days.

Can my child be asleep for the procedure?

Yes. IV sedation and general anesthesia are available in our office for patients who are anxious or need more comfort.

What will it cost, and will insurance cover it?

It depends on the tooth, the type of anesthesia and your plan. After your consultation we give you a written estimate, and we can send a pre-determination to your insurer first. See Fees & insurance for details, including the Canadian Dental Care Plan.

Do I need a referral?

No, but most patients are referred by their orthodontist. Ask them to send their X-rays and treatment plan to us.

Next step

Book an assessment for an impacted tooth

We’ll review your imaging, explain the options and coordinate with your orthodontist. No referral needed.

Book a consultation Call (905) 582-2188

Helping impacted teeth come into place

Why some teeth don’t come in

A baby canine still in place

A gap where a tooth should be

A bump high on the gum

Found on an X-ray

Expose, bond, then guide into place

What to expect

Braces and planning

Exposure and bonding

Mild swelling

Gums heal

Tooth moves into place

Oral surgeons who work with your orthodontist

Dr. Martin Cloutier

Dr. Justin MacRae

Exposure of teeth FAQ

Book an assessment for an impacted tooth

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