Surgical Guidance of Impacted Tooth
Gardena, CA

In some cases where the tooth will not erupt and become impacted beneath the bone, combination of braces and oral surgery will be performed to get the erupted tooth to where it should be. The most common impacted tooth is the canine.  The gum above the impacted tooth will be surgically lifted up to expose the impacted tooth. Once the tooth is exposed, an orthodontic bracket is bonded to the exposed tooth. The bracket will have a chain that will attach the impacted tooth.  This chain will allow proper guidance of the tooth into position using braces.

Here is how the process generally works:

1.  Initial Evaluation and Orthodontic Treatment:

     * Consultation:  The orthodontist first evaluates the patient's teeth, using X-rays, CT scans, or 3D imaging to                      identify  the impacted tooth's position.   An impacted tooth is one that has not erupted due to being blocked by              other teeth, gum tissue, or bone.

     * Braces:   The patient typically gets braces placed on other teeth to start aligning them and create space for                      impacted tooth.

2.   Surgical Exposure of the Impacted Tooth:

      * Oral Surgery:   Once enough space has been created, an oral surgeon performs a minor surgical procedure to                expose the impacted tooth.   This is typically done under local anesthesia or sedation.
          - Flap Creation:    The surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue to access the impacted tooth, and                         sometimes a small amount of bone is removed if the tooth is deeply impacted.
          - Attachment of a Bracket or Gold Chain:   After exposing the tooth, the surgeon may bond a small bracket or               an orthodontic appliance (such as a gold chain) to the tooth.

3.   Guiding the Tooth into Place with Braces:
   
      * Traction:   The orthodontist will use the braces and the attached bracket or chain to apply gentle pressure,                      slowly guiding the impacted tooth into its correct position in the arch.
      * Adjustment Period:   This process can take several month to over a year, depending on the tooth's initial                        position, the patients bone structure, and the force applied.   The braces are adjusted periodically to continue                moving the tooth into places.

4.   Final Alignment:

      * Once the impacted tooth has moved into the correct position, further orthodontic adjustments are made to                    ensure all teeth are aligned and in proper occlusion.

      * After the braces are removed, retainers are typically provided to maintain the results.

Benefits:

      * Avoids Tooth Extraction:   This technique allows the patient to keep their natural tooth, avoiding extraction and           the need for implants or bridges.
      * Improves Aesthetics and Function:   By aligning the impacted tooth, the patient can achieve a more                               aesthetically pleasing smile and improved bite function.

Risks and Considerations:

      * Length of Treatment:   The process can be time-consuming, depending on the complexity of the impaction.
      * Surgical Risks:   As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, swelling, or discomfort after the procedure.
      * Compliance:   The patient needs to follow post-surgery and orthodontic care instructions for the best outcome.

This combined surgical-orthodontic treatment is an effective way to guide impacted teeth into their proper positions, avoiding complications and improving dental health.