Exposure & Bracket of Impacted Teeth
What is an impacted tooth?
An impacted tooth simply means that it is “stuck” and cannot erupt into function. Patients frequently develop problems with impacted third molar (wisdom) teeth. These teeth get “stuck” in the back of the jaw and can develop painful infections, among a host of other problems (see Wisdom Teeth under Procedures). Since there is rarely a functional need for wisdom teeth, they are usually extracted if they develop problems. The maxillary cuspid (upper eyetooth) is the second most common tooth to become impacted. The cuspid tooth is a critical tooth and plays an important role in your “bite”. The cuspid teeth are very strong biting teeth and have the longest roots of any human teeth. They are designed to be the first teeth that touch when your jaws close together so they guide the rest of the teeth into the proper bite.
Normally, the maxillary cuspid teeth are the last of the “front” teeth to erupt into place. They usually come into place around age 13 and cause any space left between the upper front teeth to close tighter together. If a cuspid tooth gets impacted, every effort is made to get it to erupt into its proper position. The techniques involved to aid eruption can be applied to any impacted tooth in the upper or lower jaw, but most commonly they are applied to the maxillary cuspid (upper eye) teeth. Sixty percent of these impacted eyeteeth are located on the palatal (roof of the mouth) side of the dental arch. The remaining impacted eye teeth are found in the middle of the supporting bone, but are stuck in an elevated position above the roots of the adjacent teeth, or are out to the facial side of the dental arch.
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Early Recognition of Impacted Eyeteeth Is the Key to Successful Treatment
The older the patient the more likely an impacted eyetooth will not erupt by natural forces alone, even if the space is available for the tooth to fit in the dental arch. A panoramic x-ray, along with a dental examination, will help determine whether all the adult teeth are present or if some adult teeth are missing.
Treatment may require referral to an oral surgeon for extraction of over-retained baby teeth and/or selected adult teeth that are blocking the eruption of the all-important eyeteeth. The oral surgeon will also need to remove any extra teeth (supernumerary teeth) or growths that are blocking the eruption of any adult teeth.
Impacted tooth success by patient’s age:
- 11-12 years old – with space opened for eruption, good chance for success.
- 13-14 years old – the impacted eyetooth will not erupt by itself, even with the space cleared for its eruption.
- Over 40 years old – much higher chance that the tooth will be fused in position. The only option is to extract the impacted tooth and replace it with a crown on a dental implant or a fixed bridge.
What happens if the eyetooth will not erupt when proper space is available?
In cases where the eyeteeth will not erupt spontaneously, the orthodontist and oral surgeon will work together to get these teeth to erupt. Each case must be evaluated on an individual basis, but treatment will usually involve a combined effort between the orthodontist and the oral surgeon. The oral surgeon will expose and bracket the impacted eyetooth.
The goal is to erupt the impacted tooth and not to extract it. Once the tooth has moved into its final position, the gum around it will be evaluated. In some circumstances, there may be some minor “gum surgery” required.
Exposure and Bracketing of an Impacted Cuspid
What to expect from surgery to expose & bracket an impacted tooth
The surgery to expose and bracket an impacted tooth is a very straightforward surgical procedure that is performed in the oral surgeon’s office. For most patients, it is performed using laughing gas and local anesthesia. In selected cases it will be performed under IV sedation if the patient desires to be asleep, but this is generally not necessary for this procedure. If the procedure only requires exposing the tooth with no bracketing, the time required will be shortened by about one half. These issues will be discussed in detail at your preoperative consultation with your doctor.
Refer to Preoperative Instructions under Surgical Instructions on this website for a review of any details. Simply call Coastal Carolina Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at Main Office: Myrtle Beach Office Phone Number 843-448-1621 if you have any questions.
Coastal Carolina Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Patient Review by Joe H
Dr Adams was very informative and i had a quick and painless experience.
- Joe H
Patient Review by Yolanda R.
In my 78 yrs I’ve had plenty of dental work but never have I been this satisfied and pleased with quality of care and services as I have been at this practice. Dr. M. Reece Cofer is an excellent doctor, he is both caring, gentle and attentive. Dr. Kofer’s assistants Karen and Kim go above and beyond to meet your needs and make you feel comfortable. The administrative staff is also extremely helpful and kind. I was hesitant to address my upper teeth but I finally found a place for painless and safe dental care. This practice has everything my last dental experience lacked.
- Yolanda R.
Patient Review by ed p
GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!! VERY CARING AND KIND!
- ed p
Patient Review by Bob L
Coastal Carolina is top notch with professional and friendly service from everyone that works there. Dr. Cofer is exceptional and I really appreicate that he continually tells you what he is doing while doing it. I had major molar extracted with zero pain during removal and zero pain afterwards. My mouth feels completely normal afterwards with no need for any pain medications.
- Bob L
Patient Review by Donald B
Haven’t been to appt yet
- Donald B
Patient Review by Connie G
I could not be more pleased . I was greeted immediately and seen within a few minutes , even though I had arrived early . Dr Eckert went over my records and medication asked a few questions and began the exam. He was very kind and thorough and explained his diagnosis so I could easily understand it. He even wrote the long medical term on a prescription pad for my daughters who were eagerly waiting. He eased my mind and will see me anytime I need him. Scheduled a re check for one month just for good measure at no cost . I can't say enough good about Him and his staff. The office is beautiful and comfortable if you had to wait a few minutes. He's top notch as is his staff. I visited the Myrtle Beach office at Carolina Forest near my home . Connie G Conway SC
- Connie G
Patient Review by Carla P
Great experience,
- Carla P
Patient Review by Robert J
Dr Eckert has been treating necrosis of my jaw. His knowledge, care, and compassion are second to none. I would highly recommend Dr Eckert to anyone in need of oral surgery care. Plus, he's a really nice person.
- Robert J
Patient Review by Missy S
Great office! Friendly and helpful staff! Dr. Eckert was very thorough in his exam, explaining the procedure he would do and what to expect after the procedure was done.
- Missy S
Patient Review by Nancy P
Preface this to say I am terrified of going to a dentist. From the minute I was called by Patrick, Dr. Cofer's assistant, I began to lose some of my apprehension. He was so reassuring, understanding and calming. Dr. Cofer is amazing. I had to have a broken tooth extracted. Dr. Cofer accomplished that with no pain. There was the novocaine pinch, but other than that, painless. I can't recommend this office high enough. Five stars don't seem sufficient enough.
- Nancy P
Patient Review by clem b
This is the most amazing dental surgery office and practice I have ever been to. Everyone is so kind and caring. They lower the anxiety level of patients by 100%! I cannot praise everyone here enough!! Thank you all!!!
- clem b
Patient Review by Clifford V
Everyone there was great!!
- Clifford V
Patient Review by Ann Marie S
Was referred to Dr Cofer for an implant. Was called the next day for an appointment. Met with Dr Confer & Karen, who both put me at ease immediately. The offices are clean & all precautions are taken by staff and other patients. I'm just so grateful this is where I was referred, I just feel the staff really cares about you, everything is explained, and you feel comfortable. There is no rushing, and great results. If you are looking for a great Oral Surgeon, and staff that are compassionate please go to Dr Cofer & Karen!
- Ann Marie S
Patient Review by Emiliano Lopez A
Mi hijo tiene una cita programada para el 10 de noviembre del 2020
- Emiliano Lopez A
Patient Review by Mary M
I was referred to this office by Aspen Dental and I am happy I was. My appointment was for 1:15 and I was called into the exam room at 1:15. Dr. Cofer came into the room and introduced himself. Asked me a few questions and asked if I would like the tooth extracted then. I went into another room where he administrated the novocain. When I was numb he told me what would be happening and talked to me through the whole procedure . It was quick and easy. They sent me home with very good instructions and said they would call tonight to check on me. Dr. Cofer called me himself to make sure I was doing ok. It was the best dental experience I have ever had. Dr. Cofer and his staff are super. I have recommended this office and Dr Cofer to a friend that needs an extraction.
- Mary M
Patient Review by Kenneth K
When my dentist determined I need a sinus lift and double implant, I was referred to Dr. Reece Cofer of the Coastal Carolina Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. During my initial appointment, Dr. Cofer took X-Rays and meticulously spelled out to me the procedure he would be undertaking, which consisted of two Endosteal implant placements, a sinus and a sinus lift with a bone graft. I left the office with a full understanding and knowledge about the procedure, thanks to Dr. Cofer's comprehensive consultation. Three weeks later I returned to the office for my procedure. Everything about Coastal Carolina Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is top rate and professional. Upon my arrival, the lady behind the counter provided me a warm greeting and was extremely courteous. Within moments of my arrival I was called back to the room where the procedure would take place. Dr. Cofer again walked me through the procedure he would be following, meticulously explaining each step and on two occasions asked me if I had any questions. His assistants, Nurse Karen, Kim, and Ashley were extremely kind and courteous as they prepped me for the procedure, answering questions and setting a positive atmosphere in the dental room. Dr. Cofer was able to perform multiple procedures including the sinus lift, bone graft, and Endosteal Implant Placement in the one appointment. Every aspect of the procedure was pain free, and throughout the process, Dr. Cofer and his staff were consummate professionals. Later that afternoon I received a personal call from Dr. Cofer, asking how I was doing and explaining post-procedure directions to me. I am grateful for the wonderful care I received from Dr. Cofer, Nurse Karen, Kim, and Ashley. They are all professionals in the truest sense of the word, and I highly recommend Dr. Cofer and the Coastal Carolina Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Group to any prospective customers. You won't find more caring and capable dental professionals anywhere!
- Kenneth K
Patient Review by Daniel S
I visited Dr. Maxwell in 2016 for a possible tooth extraction. This extraction was ordered by another DDS. Dr. Maxwell discussed with me and agreed that this tooth could wait and when ready it was ready to remove to give a call for the extraction. It lasted for 3 years. I called his office I got an appointment time. I was there for my appointment and 10 minute wait. I was seated, dressed and tooth was extracted. The assistant gave me all the instructions, paper work and necessary prescriptions. All and all it was a extreme professional visit for an 81 year old. Thank you Dr. Maxwell and crew.
- Daniel S
Patient Review by Inge L
I have nothing but praise for Dr. Maxwell, my anxiety hit about the roof when I entered the office in Conway. Dr. Maxwell is one of the best oral surgeon in South Carolina, his professionalisms, patience and understanding took away that anxiety and I trusted him with my oral surgery. The staff is very friendly and everyone has a smile, which gives this place a comforting environment. I want to shout out a big thank you to everyone.
- Inge L
Patient Review by Liana M
Dr. ECKERT is the best oral surgeon ever! He & the staff are kind, professional, knowledgeable, & the best at explaining & executing their jobs! Thorough, comforting, & did I say kind?! I highly recommend them for all oral surgerical needs! God bless them & theirs! Thank you so much for your seamless & perfect assistance in the past, & for my current & upcoming needs!
- Liana M
Patient Review by Shirley C
I have been a patient of Dr. Edward Eckert since he did my first dental implant in 2007. At the age of 86 I returned this year without hesitation based on my past experience. I am in the middle of my second implant and am happy to share that Dr. Eckert and his staff have treated me personally and professionally with great care, explained the procedure to me in a way I could understand, provided excellent follow-up and I have had no post-surgical pain! This very satisfied patient would recommend Coastal Carolina Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to anyone who requires this level of dental services.
- Shirley C