Lip or Check Side Tooth Impactions:
If the tooth is stuck on the lip or check side of the jaw bone, most dentists cut away all of the good keratinized gum tissue. This can create gum recession with bone loss around teeth and eventually require a soft tissue graft. Dr. Gaither will use highly specialized periodontal cosmetic techniques to preserve this good keratinized gum tissue. Preservation of the gum tissue prevents gum recession and the need for a soft tissue graft in the future.
Palatal Side Tooth Impactions:
For teeth impacted in the roof of the mouth (palate), we remove extra bone in this area, to allow the tooth to move into place. After removing the bone, we create a window in the gum tissue to pull the tooth through. Removing the extra thick bone and gum removes part of the resistance forces keeping the tooth/teeth from coming into place. We also utilize Wilckodontics techniques to help move the tooth/ teeth into place quicker. Additionally, we will place a bracket and power chain the day we uncover the tooth to help the tooth begin to move in to the proper position. This moves the tooth around the roots of the other teeth.