Understanding Soft Tissue Tooth Exposure Procedures

If your child has a tooth that has broken through the jaw but has not properly emerged through the gum and into the mouth, a soft tissue tooth exposure procedure may be needed. This condition, known as soft tissue impaction, can occur when a permanent tooth is trapped beneath the gums due to factors like thick gum tissue, crowding, or a lack of space. At Cuddly Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Allen, TX, pediatric dentist Dr. Yvonne Felli offers soft tissue tooth exposure as part of a comprehensive approach to encourage proper tooth eruption and alignment.

What is soft tissue tooth exposure?

Soft tissue tooth exposure is a procedure used to uncover a permanent tooth that is unable to erupt naturally. This issue is often seen with canine teeth and other permanent teeth when dense gum tissue or crowding prevents them from emerging. Without treatment, impacted teeth can lead to misalignment, crowding, or an improper bite. In many cases, our skilled pediatric dentist will first use braces to create enough space for the impacted tooth to come in. A surgical exposure procedure may be recommended if the tooth still does not erupt naturally. This step-by-step process allows the impacted tooth to gradually emerge into its correct position.

Why do some teeth need soft tissue exposure?

Several factors can prevent a tooth from erupting naturally. Understanding these causes can help parents determine when to seek treatment. Common reasons include:

• Over-retained baby teeth blocking the permanent tooth
• Crowded teeth limiting space for eruption
• Genetic factors influencing tooth and jaw development
• Thick gum tissue preventing proper emergence
• Injury or trauma affecting the eruption process

If your child has a tooth that hasn't erupted as expected, a consultation with Dr. Felli at Cuddly Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics can help determine if soft tissue tooth exposure in Allen, TX is necessary.

How is a soft tissue tooth exposure procedure performed?

Dr. Felli prioritizes patient comfort and ensures that the procedure is as smooth as possible for both children and parents. The treatment plan often involves the following steps:

• Creating space with braces (if needed): In some cases, orthodontic treatment is used first to move surrounding teeth and allow room for the impacted tooth.
• Applying local anesthetic: To keep the child comfortable during the procedure.
• Lifting the gum tissue: A small incision is made to expose the impacted tooth.
• Attaching an orthodontic bracket and chain: A small bracket is bonded to the tooth with a chain attachment to slowly guide the tooth into its proper position over time.
• Gradual tooth eruption: Over a period of several months, the chain is gently adjusted using a rubber band to create a controlled pulling force that encourages the tooth to move into place.

This process may take up to a year to position the tooth correctly, depending on the severity of the impaction.

Address impacted teeth early for optimal results

Early diagnosis and treatment of impacted teeth can prevent long-term alignment issues, bite problems, and crowding. Regular dental visits at Cuddly Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics allow Dr. Yvonne Felli to monitor your child's dental development and intervene as needed. If you're searching for a pediatric dentist in Allen, TX, or have concerns about your child's tooth eruption, contact our office today. Dr. Felli and our friendly team are here to provide gentle, effective care to help your child achieve a healthy, well-aligned smile.