8115 Preston Road, Suite 655 Dallas, Texas 75225

(214) 522-9700

Treatments

Impacted Tooth Exposure

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Sometimes teeth do not follow the ideal path as they erupt into the mouth. They may come in out of sequence, angle the wrong direction, or run out of space. When this happens, a tooth can become impacted, meaning it is stuck beneath the gum—or even the bone—and unable to erupt properly on its own.

While wisdom teeth are the most commonly impacted teeth, canines are the next most common. The canine teeth play an important role in both your bite and your smile’s appearance, so it is especially important to guide them into the correct position if they are not erupting on their own. Less commonly, other teeth—such as premolars or incisors—can become impacted as well.

At Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we work closely with your orthodontist to assess and treat impacted teeth in a way that is efficient, comfortable, and customized to your needs. Whether you are a parent looking out for your child’s development or an adult undergoing orthodontic treatment, we are here to help ensure every tooth has the best chance of aligning properly.

Why Impacted Teeth Should Be Evaluated Early

The earlier we identify an impacted tooth, the more options we have—and the better the outcomes tend to be. As teeth remain trapped beneath the gums, their roots continue to grow and can eventually become fused to the surrounding bone (a condition called ankylosis). This can make treatment more complex and may reduce the chances of the tooth being successfully guided into position.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a screening by age 7 to monitor the eruption of permanent teeth. If there are signs that a tooth may be impacted, we can collaborate with your orthodontist to plan the most appropriate treatment—ideally before the issue progresses.

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How We Treat Impacted Teeth

Treatment depends on the location of the tooth, how deeply it is impacted, and the age of the patient. We begin with a thorough evaluation, often including a 3D CBCT scan to pinpoint the tooth’s exact position in the jaw. Based on this information, we will create a personalized plan and work directly with your orthodontist to ensure seamless care.

Common treatment options include:

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1

Expose and Bond

If the tooth is completely covered by gum and bone, we perform a gentle surgical procedure to uncover it. During this procedure, we place a small orthodontic bracket directly on the tooth so your orthodontist can gradually guide it into alignment. This treatment is commonly used for canine teeth, and is often done while the patient is already in braces.

2

Gum Tissue Removal

In some cases, a tooth may be almost in the correct position but remains trapped under a thick layer of gum tissue. For these patients, we may use a soft-tissue laser to carefully and comfortably remove the excess tissue, with no stitches required. This is a quick and minimally invasive way to help a tooth finish erupting.

3

Monitoring

If we see that a tooth may be on its way to erupting on its own, we may recommend continued observation. We will continue to monitor its progress with your orthodontist and intervene only if necessary.

4

Extraction

Extractions are typically the best option for wisdom teeth, as they are not necessary for a complete bite and they can often cause damage to neighboring teeth if they are impacted or erupting sideways. Sometimes an impacted tooth may be an extra tooth, also called a “supernumerary” tooth, in which case we will plan to remove it as with as little disruption to surrounding tissues as possible, so that your other teeth can align properly.

What to Expect

Your comfort and confidence are our top priorities. We will take the time to explain every step of the process and answer any questions you may have. For the procedure itself, we offer a full range of sedation options—from local anesthesia and nitrous oxide to IV sedation—so you can relax and feel at ease throughout your care.

Our patients often find the procedure more manageable than anticipated and are pleased with their results.

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Expertise You Can Trust

At Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Beth Tomlin and Dr. Stephanie Bowers are experienced in treating impacted teeth with precision and care. As board-certified periodontists, they work hand-in-hand with local orthodontists to ensure that each patient receives the most effective and synchronized care possible.

If you or your child has been told about a possible impacted tooth, or if you are in orthodontic treatment and need surgical support, we are here to help. Call our office at (214) 522-9700 to schedule a consultation or easily request an appointment online.

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Phone: (214) 522-9700

Fax: (214) 522-8181


Address: Preston Commons, East Tower

8115 Preston Road, Suite 655
Dallas, Texas 75225

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