Guide Impacted Teeth Into Alignment
When a canine tooth fails to erupt on its own, it remains trapped beneath the gum and bone. Left untreated, an impacted canine can cause cysts, damage neighboring tooth roots, and affect your bite. Surgical exposure allows the tooth to be guided into its correct position with orthodontic treatment.
At Queensboro Oral Surgery, our oral surgeons work closely with orthodontists throughout Queens to plan and perform impacted tooth exposure. The procedure is tailored to the location and angle of the impacted tooth, and IV sedation is available for patient comfort.
Call 718-263-7400 to schedule an evaluation in Fresh Meadows, NY.
- Impacted upper canines (most common)
- Impacted lower canines or premolars
- Teeth blocked by bone, tissue, or crowding
- Ectopic teeth growing in the wrong direction
- Collaborative treatment with your orthodontist
Why Canine Teeth Are Worth Saving
Canine teeth are among the strongest and longest-rooted teeth in the mouth. They play a critical role in biting and tearing food, guiding the jaw during chewing, and maintaining the alignment of surrounding teeth.
When a canine is impacted, the goal is always to guide it into its proper position in the dental arch rather than extract it. A natural canine provides better long-term function and stability than any replacement.
Coordinated Surgical and Orthodontic Care
Treating an impacted tooth requires close coordination between your oral surgeon and your orthodontist. Before the surgical exposure, your orthodontist prepares space in the arch where the impacted tooth will eventually be positioned.
During surgery, your oral surgeon uncovers the tooth, bonds a small bracket and chain to it, and creates a path for the tooth to move. Your orthodontist then applies gentle traction over the following months to guide the tooth into alignment. The entire process typically takes 12 to 18 months.
How Impacted Tooth Treatment Works
Referral and Imaging
Your dentist or orthodontist identifies the impacted tooth and refers you for surgical evaluation. Advanced imaging reveals the exact position and orientation of the tooth.
Surgical Exposure
Your oral surgeon uncovers the impacted tooth by lifting the gum tissue and, if needed, removing a small amount of bone. A bracket and chain are bonded to the exposed tooth.
Orthodontic Guidance
Your orthodontist uses the attached chain to gradually move the tooth into its correct position in the arch over the following months.
Healing and Follow-Up
The surgical site heals quickly, and the tooth continues its guided movement under orthodontic care until it reaches its final position.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Preserve the Natural Tooth
Exposure and guided eruption allow the impacted canine to function as a natural part of your smile, avoiding the need for a replacement.
Prevent Complications
Untreated impacted teeth can develop cysts, damage adjacent roots, and create alignment problems that worsen over time.
Coordinated Surgical and Orthodontic Care
Our surgeons collaborate directly with your orthodontist to plan the procedure and coordinate timing for the best outcome.
Comfortable Procedure with Sedation
IV sedation is available so younger patients and adults alike can undergo the procedure comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Your Orthodontist Recommended Surgical Exposure?
Contact Queensboro Oral Surgery in Fresh Meadows, NY to schedule an evaluation for your impacted tooth. We work closely with your orthodontist to plan the best approach.