Canine Exposure for Orthodontics

Canine exposure is not about leaving your dog outside; rather, it refers to a dental procedure designed to reveal impacted teeth. An impacted tooth is one that hasn't erupted through the gums and is instead trapped in the surrounding bone or soft tissue. While any tooth can become impacted, wisdom teeth and canines are the most commonly affected.

 

Canine teeth play a vital role in both function and aesthetics. Without them, the mouth can appear misaligned. The exposure procedure is straightforward: the dentist creates a small opening in the gum tissue, allowing the tooth to emerge. A dental brace is then used to guide the tooth into its proper position.

 

While some impacted teeth may be easily visible, others require an X-ray to assess the severity of the impaction. Often, an impacted canine tooth is associated with a retained baby tooth, and a loose primary tooth can also indicate the presence of an impacted tooth. If you suspect you have an impacted tooth, consult with us for a thorough evaluation and treatment plan.