When a tooth becomes impacted, this means it has only partially erupted, or has arrived incorrectly. Without treatments, this could lead to imbalanced bites and discomfort, as well as jaw joint disorders. Fortunately, your Santa Rosa , CA, oral and maxillofacial surgeons will discuss how we bracket these teeth into proper positions once again.
The Causes of Impaction
A tooth could become impacted if factors with the growth and development of the jaw have limited how the teeth arrive, or even due to injuries, thumb sucking, and tongue thrusting in childhood. If a baby tooth was lost prematurely, or failed to fall out on time, this could also alter the positions of a permanent tooth. The results of untreated impaction could be worsening misalignment, jaw joint strain, improper bite function, and more. Which is why correcting them is so beneficial!
The Bracketing Process
The process is rather simple. First, we want to understand the exact position of the tooth, and how it has ended up trapped. We do so with a series of detailed digital x-rays and intraoral camera images, which make a precise and accurate diagnosis possible. Our team will connect a bracket to the impacted tooth, and then another to one of the nearby fully erupted teeth. A small chain will connect these two brackets.
At periodic visits, our team will adjust the tension in this chain, as it begins to pull the tooth into proper position. We could work with your general dentist, or even your orthodontics, as the bracketing process is often part of overall misalignment treatment. Once we shift the tooth into the proper position, you can continue any treatments with your general dentist or orthodontics. We like to work alongside them to ensure you receive seamless and proper care.
General Tooth Extraction
What if the tooth cannot be bracketed into place, or what if the trapped tooth is actually a wisdom tooth that doesn’t have room to erupt properly? In these situations, instead of trying to reposition the tooth, we will instead gently remove it with a tooth extraction. The procedure involves our team planning treatment with detailed digital images, and then administering a numbing agent and sedation to keep you comfortable and calm. Next, we use forgoes to gently extract the tooth from your smile. We take steps to preserve the site in case the tooth needs replacement, or we may suture it closed, removing sutures once it heals.
If you have any questions about our approach to oral surgery, then contact our team today to learn more.
Ready to Improve Your Smile’s Health and Function?
We would like to help people obtain a stronger and more attractive smile once again. If you have any questions about oral surgery and smile improvement, then contact your Santa Rosa, CA, oral surgeons by calling 707-545-4625.
