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 Roland S
Dr Maxwell did an amazing job. I had 3 wisdom teeth removed. From start to finish everything went well.I am very pleased with him and the staff. I will definitely recommend coastal carolina oral surgery to anyone in the future...
- Roland S
Patient Review by Robert S
From original scheduling to the extraction process Dr. Adams & staff were fantastic...i know it sounds crazy "tooth extraction fantastic?". I'm 72 years old & have always had issues with my teeth, cavates, root canals, crowns, bridges plus several extractions. this visit was beyond a shadow of a doubt the MOST pleasant experience it could be. Coastal Carolina Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is a class act.
- Robert S
Patient Review by MICHAEL B
Dr Johnson has delivered and extremely high level of care. From the initial appointment , to the extraction of a tooth , the grafting of bone material in extraction site culminating with 2 implants, I have felt extremely comfortable and confident throughout the entire course of treatment.
- MICHAEL B
Patient Review by Helen B
Coastal Carolina Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is a very caring surgery. I wouldn't want to go to any other office for my dental surgery.
- Helen B
Patient Review by Kim
Great service friendly staff.
- Kim
Patient Review by Cierra B
Dr. Maxwell and his team were outstanding during my wisdom teeth removal. I was extremely nervous since I had never been sedated before and have a fear of surgery. The team took the time to walk me through every step and was incredibly kind throughout the entire process. Dr. Maxwell was especially gentle when administering my IV. I couldn't be happier with my experience here!
- Cierra B
Patient Review by Harry S
At my age I have gone to my share of medical offices. I was pleasantly surprised at the different feeling I had at these offices. Other then the part of pulling a tooth (that went extremely well) I was very pleased with all aspects of my experience from scheduling, billing, Dentist and support staff.
- Harry S
Patient Review by chuck K
the staff were all very nice and professional Dr Eckert did an amazing job
- chuck K
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