Impacted teeth are permanent teeth that are unable to grow into the mouth properly. When this happens, the tooth is trapped below the gums either partially or completely by bone or soft tissue. Wisdom teeth and canines are the most commonly impacted teeth, although incisors, premolars, and molars are all susceptible.
A tooth can become impacted for several reasons, such as
- Overcrowding or presence of additional teeth
- Lack of normal adult teeth
- Abnormal growths
Dr. Block and her team at Old Metairie Orthodontics treats impacted teeth regularly with a technique called assisted eruption, which carefully guides the impacted teeth into their proper place. An oral surgeon or periodontist will work with your orthodontist to complete this treatment.
How does assisted eruption work?
The first step in the process is to use braces to prepare your mouth for assisted eruption by making room for the impacted tooth to move into position. Once this process is complete, an oral surgeon or periodontist will perform a surgical procedure to expose the trapped tooth by carefully moving the overlying gum and/or bone tissue. Your orthodontist will use your braces as the anchoring force that will pull the impacted tooth into place — a small orthodontic bracket and chain will be bonded to the newly exposed tooth, and the chain will be used to gently guide the impacted tooth into place as it emerges into the mouth.
Why do I need assisted eruption treatment?
Untreated impacted teeth can cause several complications, such as
- Jaw pain
- Shifting or crowding of teeth
- Root damage of adjacent teeth
- Tooth loss
- Infection
- Malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth)
Learn More about Assisted Eruption of Impacted Teeth at Old Metairie Orthodontics
We encourage you to contact our Metairie, LA office, to learn more about the assisted eruption of impacted teeth. Dr. Block is an expert in the use of this technique and will work together with your partnering specialists on successfully completing your assisted eruption treatment. Our highly trained and welcoming staff are ready to help you achieve a healthy, straight, and beautiful smile. Give us a call today!
