Soft Tissue Tooth Exposure in Allen, TX

There are times when a tooth has broken through the jaw but has not properly erupted through the gum and into the mouth. This is called "soft tissue" impaction. In these cases, it's often required to receive some sort of dental intervention. At Cuddly Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we often perform a procedure called soft tissue tooth exposure. Soft tissue tooth exposure is the process of making space for teeth that have not erupted. We will often use this procedure on children that have teeth that are impacted or don't have enough room to erupt properly. This can occur when baby teeth don't fall out in time, an abnormal growth blocks a tooth from emerging, or the mouth is simply too crowded for the teeth to come in properly. Oftentimes, the canine teeth that come in between the ages of 11 – 12 may become impacted, or stuck beneath the gums, and unable to pop up. This is often common with wisdom teeth as well. For more information on this procedure, contact our pediatric dentists, Dr. Yvonne Felli and Dr. Ajikwaga Felli, at Cuddly Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics to schedule an appointment at our Allen, TX office.

For many children, we may discover an impacted tooth during a routine exam at Cuddly Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. In these cases, we'll try to schedule treatment as soon as possible for the best outcome. Depending on the tooth and your child's specific issue, different treatment measures are taken. If your child's baby tooth has not yet fallen out, we will wait for the tooth to naturally fall out or until there is enough space for the adult tooth. We will use a variety of x-rays to figure out the exact location of the unerupted tooth. For many patients, our talented pediatric dentists will place braces on the teeth to create the proper amount of space for the impacted tooth to grow in. From there, we'll work with you to expose the impacted tooth. In some cases, a surgical procedure may be needed. This is when Dr. Felli will place an arch in the mouth, then lift the gum on top of the unerupted tooth to expose the tooth. We will then bond a bracket to the tooth and attach a small chain to it that will allow us to slowly guide the tooth out. After a short period of time, we'll have your child come back to our Allen, TX office where we'll attach a rubber band to the chain that will create a pulling force onto the tooth in question. In total, the process could take up to a year as we gently guide the tooth into the right position.

Is soft tissue tooth exposure painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort, ensuring that your child remains as comfortable as possible throughout the process. Post-operative pain is usually manageable with prescribed medications, and additional recommendations may be provided to help soothe any residual soreness.

What is the recovery time?
Recovery varies per individual but generally involves a few days of mild discomfort, during which activities like eating and speaking may feel slightly different. Following post-operative care instructions, such as keeping the area clean and avoiding hard foods, aids in a smooth recovery.

What should I do if my child is anxious about the procedure?
Talk to your dental provider about ways to ease anxiety, such as discussing sedation options or using comforting techniques to help your child feel at ease before and during the visit. Encouraging your child to ask questions and understand the process can also reduce fear and build confidence.

If your child has a soft tissue impacted tooth, or a tooth that has not erupted through the gums, we may suggest soft tissue tooth exposure at Cuddly Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. This is the process of gently guiding the tooth out of the gum and into its proper place. This is important for children as they lose teeth and grow their adult teeth in as it helps create a healthy mouth and beautiful smile. For more information on this treatment or to schedule a consultation with one of our pediatric dentists, Drs. Yvonne and Ajikwaga Felli, call our Allen, TX office today.