Tooth exposure
Tooth exposure may be necessary if teeth have not or only partially managed to break into the oral cavity. Such teeth are called impacted or partially impacted teeth.
Why is tooth exposure necessary?
By exposing impacted teeth, their integration into the otherwise complete row of teeth should be achieved. Tooth exposures therefore often take place in connection with orthodontic treatments. A complete, straight row of teeth reduces the risk of later bite problems, enables natural chewing function, represents health, and ensures a beautiful smile.
Causes of impacted, partially retained, and displaced teeth
There are various causes for retention. Often, the teeth are not in their correct position in the jaw. Sometimes, they also develop with an axial deviation and lie crooked in the bone. Teeth displaced in this way can put pressure on the roots of neighboring teeth and thus endanger them. The canines, lateral molars (premolars), and wisdom teeth are often affected by retention and displacement.
If the impacted tooth has a normal growth axis, it sometimes finds its place on its own after exposure – especially in children and young people. In most cases, however, it is precisely the displaced teeth that need a little more “midwifery”. After exposure, they are stuck with a special bracket and actively pulled into the desired position by the orthodontist.
Thanks to ultrasound-based piezosurgery, tooth exposures are now more efficient, gentler, and almost painless.
Wisdom teeth are a “relic” from times when people’s jaws were even larger than they are today. No longer of any use for the chewing function. That’s why impacted, partially impacted, and/or displaced wisdom teeth are usually removed straight away – also because they often cause problems over the course of life.
How are impacted, partially impacted, and displaced teeth diagnosed?
An x-ray and a palpation report give the dentist an overview of the exact location of the impacted, partially impacted, and/or displaced tooth. The tooth structures, the course of the mandibular nerve, and the surrounding tissue are shown precisely using three-dimensional X-rays (DVT). These also form the basis for planning the intervention.
Is exposing a tooth painful?
No. The procedure is usually carried out under local anesthesia so that the patient does not have to suffer any pain.
How does tooth exposure work?
To surgically expose a tooth, the mucosal tissue at the position of the affected tooth is first opened. With the dental laser, this is done very gently without making any cuts. Any bone tissue lying over the tooth is removed using particularly gentle ultrasound-based piezosurgery.
If the teeth are displaced, a bracket (metal plate with a chain or wire) is glued to the crown of the tooth, and the wound is closed. The chain or wire is then used to exert tension on the tooth until it is in the correct position.
The treatment is carried out by the orthodontist and is completed when the transverse tooth has straightened and rotated and reached the planned position.