Guiding Impacted Teeth Into Place
Sometimes, permanent teeth don’t erupt on schedule—especially the canine (eyetooth), one of the most important teeth in your smile. When a tooth stays stuck under the gumline, it’s called impacted, and that’s where we come in.
At Mahogany Oral Surgery, we work closely with your orthodontist to help impacted teeth come in safely and correctly using a small procedure called exposure and bonding.
What Is an Impacted Tooth?
An impacted tooth is one that hasn’t emerged through the gums as expected. This happens most often with upper canine teeth, which usually erupt around age 11. These teeth play a major role in aligning your bite and supporting a healthy, symmetrical smile.
If not treated, an impacted tooth can:
- Damage the roots of nearby teeth
- Disrupt the alignment of your bite
- Cause crowding, spacing, or infection
- Lead to bone loss or cyst formation
The good news? With timely treatment, we can usually help that tooth find its place.
How Treatment Works
This process is a team effort between your orthodontist and our surgical team. Here’s the general approach:
- Your orthodontist places braces to open space for the impacted tooth.
- Once space is ready, you’ll come to Mahogany Oral Surgery for a minor procedure to expose the tooth.
What to Expect From the Exposure Procedure
This procedure is typically done right here in our office under general anesthesia. During the visit:
- The gum is gently lifted to uncover the tooth
- Any baby or extra teeth in the way are removed
- A tiny bracket with a gold chain is bonded to the impacted tooth
- The chain is attached to your braces to slowly pull the tooth into place
Sometimes the tooth is left partially uncovered, but usually we close the gum and leave just the chain visible through a small opening.
What Happens After Surgery?
About 1–2 weeks later, your orthodontist will begin applying light tension to the chain using elastic bands. This starts the slow, controlled process of guiding the tooth into the right spot in your dental arch.
It can take several months (sometimes up to a year), but the result is a properly positioned, functional tooth that supports your overall bite.
Learn More About Impacted Teeth
Curious about the process in more detail? Visit the Calgary Oral Surgery Group’s Impacted Teeth Page for a full overview.
Let’s Get That Tooth Moving
If your orthodontist has referred you for a tooth exposure, we’re here to help. Call Mahogany Oral Surgery to schedule your consultation—we’ll explain everything and make sure you or your child feels completely comfortable and prepared.