Impacted Teeth Exposure in Denver, CO

Restore your smile’s health with impacted teeth exposure treatment by Dr. Nesiba at Cherry Creek Oral Surgery in Denver. When a tooth fails to erupt naturally, it can disrupt your bite, cause discomfort, and jeopardize your oral health. Dr. Nesiba offers advanced exposure treatment to help guide these teeth into their proper position.

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What Are Impacted Teeth?

Impacted teeth are teeth that fail to emerge fully into the dental arch within the expected timeframe. Instead, they remain partially or completely trapped beneath the gum and jawbone. While any tooth can become impacted, it most frequently affects the wisdom teeth and the upper canines (maxillary cuspids).

Commonly Impacted Teeth

Wisdom Teeth: The last molars to develop, typically in the late teens or early twenties. Due to limited space, they often remain impacted, leading to discomfort or misalignment.
Canines (Maxillary Cuspids): The upper canines play a crucial role in your bite and smile aesthetics. If they become impacted, they may require surgical exposure to assist with proper eruption, particularly when orthodontic treatment is involved. Dr. Nesiba looks for teeth that are blocked, mispositioned, or not progressing as expected.

Who Needs Impacted Teeth Exposure?

Impacted tooth exposure is usually recommended for patients whose teeth are unlikely to erupt naturally but could be moved into a proper position with surgical and orthodontic intervention. Upper canines typically erupt between the ages of 11 and 13. If this process is delayed beyond this window, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend evaluation for exposure. If the impacted tooth cannot erupt naturally, surgical exposure allows the tooth to be guided into place with orthodontic appliances, preserving dental alignment and function.

Our Treatment for Impacted Teeth

The most common approach is the exposure and bracketing procedure. This method involves surgically uncovering the impacted tooth and attaching a small orthodontic bracket and chain to help guide the tooth into its correct position.

Dr. Nesiba collaborates with your orthodontist to create a tailored plan. After surgical exposure, your orthodontist gradually applies gentle pressure to the tooth, encouraging controlled movement into the dental arch. The process of moving the tooth can take several months, but with coordinated care, most impacted teeth can be successfully aligned with your other teeth.

What to Expect During Impacted Tooth Exposure Surgery

1. Preoperative Preparation: Local anesthesia (with sedation if necessary) is administered for your comfort.

2. Surgical Exposure: Dr. John Nesiba makes a small incision in the gum to uncover the impacted tooth.

3. Bracket and Chain Placement: A special orthodontic bracket and chain are bonded to the exposed tooth.

4. Closure: The gum is repositioned, leaving the chain accessible for your orthodontist.

Your oral surgeon performs the exposure procedure, while your orthodontist guides the tooth’s movement afterward. Close collaboration ensures optimal results.

Recovery After Impacted Tooth Exposure

Proper care is vital for healing and successful tooth movement. You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions on oral hygiene, activity restrictions, and managing discomfort.

First week: Initial swelling and soreness subside.
2–4 weeks: Gum tissue heals; orthodontic traction begins.
3–12 months: The tooth is gradually moved into position.

Candidates for Impacted Teeth Exposure

Impacted tooth exposure is often part of a broader treatment plan involving both surgical and orthodontic care. While each case is unique, the following groups of patients are commonly considered appropriate candidates for this procedure:

Teens and young adults with impacted canines or wisdom teeth
Individuals with delayed eruption of permanent teeth
Children showing abnormal tooth positioning on X-rays

Adults with retained baby teeth due to impaction
Patients referred by an orthodontist for surgical exposure

This procedure is typically recommended when your oral surgeon and orthodontist identify the need for coordinated care.

Benefits of Impacted Teeth Exposure

Impacted tooth exposure is a crucial step in many orthodontic treatment plans. It can support your mouth’s overall health and alignment, improving outcomes. Our advanced treatment offers the following benefits:

Protects the positioning of adjacent teeth
Creates space for proper alignment with braces
Helps guide the tooth into its natural place
Prevents long-term crowding or shifting
Reduces the risk of damage to nearby roots
Supports a healthier, more functional mouth

Cost of Impacted Teeth Exposure in Denver

The cost of impacted teeth exposure in Denver ranges from $500 to $2,000, depending on factors such as the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia type, and whether coordination with orthodontic treatment is required. Prices vary between providers, so reviewing your treatment plan and insurance coverage in advance is essential for understanding your out-of-pocket costs.

Dental insurance may cover a portion of the procedure, but coverage differs—please contact our office to confirm your benefits. Flexible financing is available through Cherry, making it easier to fit treatment into your budget. Complete your patient forms or contact us to discuss insurance and financing options.

FAQs About Impacted Teeth Exposure

Is the procedure painful?

Discomfort is minimized with anesthesia and sedation. Most patients report only mild soreness after surgery.

How long does the process take?

Surgery is typically completed in under an hour. Tooth alignment can take several months, depending on your case.

Will I need time off from work or school?

Plan for 1–2 days of downtime after the procedure for rest and recovery.

Choose Our Experienced Oral Surgeon for Impacted Tooth Exposure

Dr. John Nesiba combines advanced surgical expertise with a patient-centered approach for impacted tooth exposure. By working closely with your orthodontist and providing comprehensive support throughout your treatment and recovery, our team ensures a smooth and successful experience. Schedule your consultation today to restore your smile’s health, function, and beauty with a practice dedicated to your comfort and long-term results.