When a tooth is impacted, meaning it only partially erupts, this can lead to more than just issues with the appearance of your bite. To avoid major complications, we want to bracket the tooth to move it into proper position. In today’s blog, your Santa Rosa, CA, oral surgeons talk about how we bracket your partially erupted teeth into place.
The Causes and Risks of Impaction
What causes a tooth to become impacted? For some, this could occur when baby teeth don’t fall out on schedule, which means the permanent one can only partially erupt due to limited space in the smile. This could happen due to issues with the size of the jaw too, or with the arrival of wisdom teeth. The presence of impaction could prevent a patient from continuing with orthodontic treatment, and could also increase the risk of misalignment. Since this provides a space for sugar and starch particles to become trapped, this could increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, and also the risk of TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). But our team can offer treatment to help shift the impacted teeth into place.
The Bracketing Procedure
The bracketing procedure is a unique treatment designed to help shift an impacted tooth into proper position. Our team will begin by taking detailed digital x-rays to plan the procedure in detail. We will also work alongside your orthodontist or general dentist as needed, ensuring treatment continues without interruption once we complete the bracketing portion. Essentially, our team will attach a bracket to the partially erupted tooth and then another to a nearby tooth. We then connect them with a chain and adjust tension in the chain, which gradually pulls the tooth into the proper position.
General Tooth Extraction
When possible, we want to save the tooth in question by bracketing it into place. But! What if the tooth is a wisdom tooth? What if there isn’t enough room for orthodontic treatment? In these situations, we can remove the tooth completely from your smile. With a general tooth extraction, we can gently and effectively remove the tooth, protecting your smile as a whole.
If you have any questions about how our team will bracket impacted teeth into place, then contact our team today. Now is a great time to start care, so you begin your 2025 on the path to a straighter and healthier smile.
Talk to Our Team About Addressing Impacted Teeth in Santa Rosa, CA
Don’t let impaction cause major issues for your oral health. To learn more about how we address issues with the position and alignment of your teeth, then give us a call at Santa Rosa Oral Surgery at (707)545-4625 today!
