Impacted Tooth Exposure in Ann Arbor, MI
Surgical Exposure for Impacted Teeth
Impacted tooth exposure is a surgical procedure performed to help a tooth that has not erupted properly move into its correct position. This procedure is most commonly recommended for impacted canine teeth but may be used for other teeth as well. At Legacy Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery, impacted tooth exposure is performed by board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons with advanced training in surgical orthodontic support.
Our goal is to safely expose the impacted tooth while preserving surrounding bone, gum tissue, and long-term tooth health.
What Is an Impacted Tooth?
A tooth is considered impacted when it fails to erupt into the mouth on its own due to lack of space, abnormal positioning, or obstruction by other teeth or bone. Impacted teeth may remain trapped beneath the gum tissue or within the jawbone, potentially affecting alignment and oral development if left untreated. Early evaluation allows for timely intervention and coordinated orthodontic care.
When Is Impacted Tooth Exposure Recommended?
Impacted tooth exposure is often recommended when an orthodontist determines that a tooth is unlikely to erupt naturally. This procedure allows the orthodontist to guide the tooth into proper position using braces or other orthodontic appliances. Exposure is commonly performed during adolescence but may also be appropriate for adults, depending on individual circumstances. Your surgeon will work closely with your orthodontist to determine the most appropriate timing and technique.
Surgical Expertise and Careful Planning
Impacted tooth exposure requires precise surgical technique and detailed planning. Our surgeons may use 3D Cone Beam CT imaging when appropriate to evaluate the position of the tooth, surrounding roots, and nearby structures before treatment. This planning helps minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues and supports predictable orthodontic movement.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Impacted tooth exposure is typically completed as an outpatient procedure. After anesthesia is administered, a small amount of gum tissue and, in some cases, bone is carefully removed to expose the tooth. Depending on the orthodontic plan, a small attachment may be placed on the tooth to assist with guided eruption.
Anesthesia and sedation options are available to support patient comfort throughout the procedure.
Your Anesthesia Options
Anesthesia plays an important role in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Whether your procedure is routine or complex, we take time to explain your options and answer questions so you feel informed and confident before treatment.
Healing and Orthodontic Coordination
After surgery, the area is allowed to heal while orthodontic treatment gradually guides the tooth into its proper position. Healing timelines vary depending on the complexity of the case and the location of the tooth. Clear post-operative instructions are provided to support recovery, and follow-up visits are scheduled as needed.
Close coordination with your orthodontist helps ensure successful long-term results.
Why Choose an Oral Surgeon for Impacted Tooth Exposure?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive specialized training in surgical procedures involving the teeth, jaws, and supporting structures. This expertise is especially important when exposing impacted teeth near roots, nerves, or other critical anatomy. At Legacy Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery, impacted tooth exposure is performed with a focus on safety, precision, and preserving future oral health.
Patient Testimonials
Hear from our patients about their experiences with Impacted Tooth Exposure and other procedures.
"Hi, I'm McKenzie from Ypsilanti. I came to Legacy Oral Surgery for an exposure and bond. When I first walked into this practice, I felt very welcome. The staff was very understanding and cooperative to make me feel very comfortable and safe. The doctors were very knowledgeable and very caring and personable throughout my whole entire experience. My procedure went great, and my recovery was very fast and easy. Having a healthy smile is very important to me because it's something that will be with me for the rest of my life and be a first impression to many people I meet in my life. My overall experience with this practice was great. I highly recommend Legacy Oral Surgery."
"Hello, I'm Carroll from Ann Arbor. I came to Legacy Oral Surgery for an extraction and an implant. When I first walked into this practice, the staff was very polite and informative. The doctors were friendly and very efficient. I felt really comfortable with that knowledge. The procedure went very well, and the recovery was very comfortable. It was a great great experience. To all my friends in Ypsilanti, Saline, and Ann Arbor, I highly recommend Legacy Oral Surgery. It was the best practice I've ever been to."
Connie
Ann Arbor
"Hi, I'm Connie. I'm from Ann Arbor. So, I didn't have an appointment when I realized that I might have a hot tooth, and I happened to pop in, and the staff greeted me, and they took care of everything. They got x-rays. They were wonderful. I saw Dr. Fear. and they're not even usually open on Saturday. He was kind, he was attentive, he listened to me and took care of me immediately. I had a great experience. I would absolutely recommend this practice."
"Hi, I'm Italy from Southfield, and I came to Legacy Oral Surgery to have teeth extracted. When I first walked into this practice, it was really nice and calm, and they were really friendly. The staff here is really easy to work with. The doctor here was really nice, really comforting and also very calm. My procedure went well. It makes my mouth and me feel better from that. My overall experience with this practice was really nice. To all my friends and family in Southfield, I would highly recommend Legacy Oral Surgery."
"Hi, my name is Jessica from Pinkney. I came to Legacy Oral Surgery for extractions and dental implants. When I first walked into this practice, the staff were very kind, very knowledgeable. The doctors were very good. They always were there if I had a question. They put me at ease fairly quickly. The procedures went well. Now I can greet you with the biggest smile I have, and that is a wonderful feeling. My overall experience was amazing. I would definitely recommend Legacy Oral Surgery with a smile."
"Hi, I'm Liz from Ann Arbor, and I came to Legacy Oral Surgery for a tooth extraction. When I first walked into this practice, I felt very welcomed. It was a friendly and professional environment. My procedure went extremely well, and my recovery was without a hitch. Everything was fine. I feel very good, and my quality of life is improved because my teeth are intact and working well. My overall experience with this practice was very good. I highly recommend Legacy Oral Surgery."
"Hi, I'm Maria from Ann Arbor. I walked in, was greeted. The place was great. Everybody here from entering the door to when I left, checking out, and everything was happy, very nice, friendly. The doctors here are wonderful. They know what they're doing. They're quick and easy. They explain everything. The procedure was wonderful, and follow-up's been great. Everything, like I say, from the process to the beginning to the end's been, I'd say, best. I would recommend Legacy Oral Surgery to everybody."
"Hi, I'm Paul from Ann Arbor. When I first walked into this practice, people were very friendly. The staff are always accommodating and helpful here. I've essentially solely with Dr. Fear, and I've always had a very positive experience with him. I've had several procedures. They've all gone well. I've been coming to this practice for over 10 years, my wife and myself, and it's always been a positive experience. I would absolutely recommend Legacy Oral Surgery to others."
"Hi, I'm Paul. I live in Dexter. I came to Legacy Oral Surgery to get upper implants and a full-arch. When I walked into the new place here, I felt very comfortable. The staff here at the practice are above and beyond. Total professionals, very friendly, very helpful. Dr. Fear as an oral surgeon is the best in my experience. Since I've had the whole procedure done and finished, the quality of my life has definitely improved. Everything seems easier right now. Chewing in particular. So, I'm so glad I had this done. I would definitely recommend Legacy Oral Surgery. They are the best."
Restoring Confident Smiles for Ann Arbor, MI
At Legacy Oral, Facial & Dental Implant Surgery, weāre proud to serve the Ann Arbor community with advanced oral and maxillofacial care focused on comfort, safety, and long-term function. Whether youāre exploring dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, or another surgical treatment, our board-certified surgeons take time to listen, explain your options, and create a plan tailored to your needs. Our goal is to help you move forward with clarity and confidenceāsupported by modern technology and a patient-centered approach.