Exposure of teeth
Sometimes a tooth needs help to break through your gum
When a tooth fails to come through your gum, you may need a surgical procedure to help it come through and move into the right position.
A tooth may fail to erupt for a couple of reasons. It often happens if your teeth are crowded or if the tooth has developed in the wrong position.
Why an unerupted tooth is a problem
If a tooth gets stuck under your gum, a cyst can form around it and become infected. An unerupted tooth may also push other teeth out of position or cause damage to the roots of nearby teeth.
Where the surgery is performed
The surgery can be done in private hospital under general anaesthetic or in Dr van Mourik’s private rooms under intravenous (IV) sedation and/or local anaesthetic. For safety reasons Dr van Mourik always uses an anaesthetist who is a specially trained medical doctor to perform his general anaesthetic and intravenous sedation.
How unerupted teeth are exposed
The buried tooth is covered by gum and sometimes by a thin layer of bone as well. Dr van Mourik removes the gum and any bone covering the tooth. If the tooth is deeply imbedded in your jaw, he makes a small tunnel through the jawbone to provide a path for the tooth to erupt.
Your orthodontist may ask him to attach a small gold chain to the tooth which is then attached to your braces. When the bone and gum have been removed, the tooth can then be seen from inside your mouth. Alternatively, the gum may be closed over the chain.
The surgery is carefully designed to minimise the risks of injury to nearby nerves and other teeth.
The procedure takes 15 to 25 minutes.
Recovery after exposure of teeth surgery
Hospital stay: Usually a same-day procedure. Once you’ve recovered from the anaesthetic, you’ll be ready to go. If you’ve had general anaesthetic or intravenous sedation, you’ll need someone to pick you up and take you home.
Pain management: Pain is different for everyone but normal painkillers are usually all you’ll need. An icepack can help reduce any swelling or pain.
Work/school: You’ll need to allow approximately 1-2 days off.
Stitches: If stitches are used, they’ll most likely be dissolving stitches. They gradually dissolve over 1-2 weeks.
Follow up care: Dr van Mourik will want to see you after your surgery to monitor your healing.
Dr Van Mourik will give you detailed post-operative instructions during your pre-surgery consultation. To maximise your chance of making a quick recovery without complications, please pay careful attention to these instructions. General information can be found on the Post-op and Patient Care page.
Possible Complications
Exposure of teeth is a common surgery and it’s unusual to have complications. There’s even less risk if you get a skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon to remove your wisdom teeth.
However, all surgeries have some potential risks and complications and for exposure of a tooth these are:
- Damage to neighbouring teeth – If this occurs the nearby tooth may need to be root-filled or removed.
- Non-movement – Very occasionally the tooth refuses to move into position.
- Gum recovering the tooth – Occasionally the gum will grow over the tooth.
Why choose an oral and maxillofacial surgeon?
Widest scope of treatment options
Only specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeons can provide the full scope and widest options of both in-rooms and hospital-based dental implant procedures.
Surgery is performed to highest technical standard
They have the highest level of training and skills for oral surgery, this leads to better quality surgery. They can confidently perform more complicated surgeries such as those involving bone grafts.
Appropriately manage your medical conditions with a decreased chance of complications
Because oral and maxillofacial surgeons have medical training, they can manage your other medical conditions and medications to decrease risk. If a complication does occur, they have the skills to manage it.
Safest
Because Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons are medically trained, they only operate under hospital grade sterilisation protocol (carried out in accordance with AS/NZS 4815:2006 standard).
Only use specialist anaesthetists
When intravenous sedation or general anaesthetic is required, they always use specialist anaesthetists.
Dr van Mourik is a highly experienced Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon. He explains things clearly and he’s a good listener, so do ask him questions about your exposure of teeth surgery and tell him about any concerns you have — he’ll take the time to answer and manage your concerns sensitively.
Learn more about exposure of teeth surgery through our comprehensive guides.
(02) 9416 4809
admin@kristianvanmourik.com.au
Suite 5, 12 Tryon Rd, Lindfield 2070, NSW
Suite 104, 568 Oxford St, Bondi Junction 2022, NSW