Guiding Your Smile into Proper Alignment
The expose and bond procedure is a common and highly successful oral surgery that represents a close collaboration between your oral surgeon and your orthodontist. When a canine (eye-tooth) becomes impacted and is unable to erupt into the dental arch on its own, this procedure is necessary to guide it into its proper position. At Belmont Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, our board-certified surgeons have the expertise to safely expose the impacted tooth, creating the pathway for a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.
Why is Treating an Impacted Canine Important?
Your canine teeth play a critical role in the alignment and function of your bite. Unlike wisdom teeth, which are simply removed when impacted, canines are essential and should be saved whenever possible. Leaving an impacted canine untreated can lead to several complications, including damage to the roots of adjacent teeth, the formation of cysts, or the tooth fusing to the jaw bone, which would prevent it from ever coming into place. Early treatment is key to avoiding these issues.
The Expose and Bond Procedure: A Team Approach
This treatment is a seamless, coordinated effort to achieve the best result for your smile.
1. Orthodontic Preparation
First, your orthodontist will use braces to create the necessary space in your dental arch for the impacted canine to move into.
2. The Surgical Exposure
Once the space is ready, you will visit our office for the surgical procedure. Using 3D imaging to pinpoint the exact location of the tooth, your oral surgeon will comfortably administer anesthesia. They will then make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the hidden tooth and bond a small orthodontic bracket with an attached chain onto it.
3. Orthodontic Guidance
After a short healing period, you will return to your orthodontist. They will attach a small rubber band to the chain, applying a slow and gentle pressure. Over the course of several months, this light force will carefully guide the impacted canine down into its correct position in your smile.
Expert Surgical Care in Belmont, MA
The surgical portion of an expose and bond procedure requires precision and a gentle touch. Dr. Pasquale Eckert and Dr. Blaise Eckert work closely with orthodontists throughout the community to ensure a seamless and successful experience for patients. If you have been referred for an impacted canine, contact our Belmont office to schedule your surgical consultation.
Hear From Our Patients
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my canine tooth not come in?
There are several reasons a canine might become impacted, including dental crowding (not enough space), the presence of extra teeth, or unusual growths. Sometimes it is simply due to genetics. A 3D scan can help us determine the exact cause.
At what age should this be treated?
Impacted canines are typically diagnosed and treated in the early teenage years, often in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. Early treatment is important because the longer a tooth remains impacted, the higher the risk it could fuse to the bone.
Is the surgery painful?
No. The expose and bond procedure is performed in our office under anesthesia to ensure you are completely comfortable. Post-operative discomfort is usually mild and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does it take to bring the tooth into place?
The surgical part of the procedure is relatively quick. However, the orthodontic portion—gently guiding the tooth into the arch—is a slow and gradual process that can take several months to a year, depending on the tooth's position.
Restore Your Smile in Belmont, MA
Belmont Oral Surgery & Dental Implants is the premier provider for restoring missing teeth in Belmont, Massachusetts. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with our highly skilled team.