Exposing Impacted Teeth — What to Expect

If your orthodontist has told you (or your child) that a tooth hasn’t come in properly, it may be impacted. This is especially common with the upper canine (eyetooth)—a key tooth for guiding your bite and completing a healthy smile.

At Airdrie Oral Surgery, we work hand-in-hand with your orthodontist to help impacted teeth erupt into place using a safe, straightforward procedure called exposure and bonding.

What Does “Impacted” Mean?

An impacted tooth is stuck under the gum and unable to emerge on its own—even if there’s space for it. This is most often seen in teens when the canines don’t erupt as expected around age 11.

Without treatment, impacted teeth can lead to:

• Damage to nearby roots
• Cyst formation or bone loss
• Misalignment or crowding of other teeth
• Long-term bite problems

That’s why we aim to guide these teeth into place early, before they cause more serious issues.

How We Help

The process starts with your orthodontist, who creates space using braces. Once there’s room, you’ll come to Airdrie Oral Surgery for a minor procedure to uncover the impacted tooth.

The Exposure & Bonding Procedure

This in-office procedure is typically done with general anesthesia. Here’s what happens:

• The gum is carefully lifted to expose the impacted tooth
• Any baby or extra teeth blocking the way are removed
• A small bracket with a gold chain is bonded to the impacted tooth
• The chain is attached to your braces so the orthodontist can guide the tooth into position over time

Depending on your case, the tooth may be left partially visible or the gum may be closed over it, with only the chain showing through a small opening.

What Comes Next?

You’ll return to your orthodontist within 1–2 weeks. They’ll start applying light pressure to the chain using a tiny elastic, helping move the tooth into place slowly and safely. This process may take several months to a year, but it’s carefully monitored the entire way.

Want More Details?

To explore the procedure and its benefits in greater detail, visit the Calgary Oral Surgery Group’s Impacted Teeth Page.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’ve been referred for a tooth exposure, we’ll make sure you understand every step and feel at ease. Call Airdrie Oral Surgery to book your consultation today—we’re here to help.