Success Rates by Age

• 11–12 years old: If space is opened, there is a good chance of spontaneous eruption.
• 13–14 years old: The eyetooth likely won’t erupt without surgical assistance.
• Over 40 years old: The tooth is often fused and may need to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant or bridge.

When the Tooth Won’t Erupt

In cases where an impacted tooth doesn’t erupt on its own, a collaborative approach between an orthodontist and an oral surgeon is used. The surgeon will surgically expose the tooth and attach a bracket and chain to it. The orthodontist then applies gentle traction over time to guide the tooth into position.

The goal is to bring the impacted tooth into the dental arch, not remove it. After the tooth erupts, minor gum surgery may sometimes be needed to improve the health or appearance of the surrounding tissue.

Surgical Procedure Overview

The exposure and bracketing procedure is typically performed in-office using local anesthesia and laughing gas. Some patients may opt for IV sedation, although it is usually not necessary. If the procedure only involves exposing the tooth without placing a bracket, the procedure is even quicker.

Details will be reviewed during your preoperative consultation. For more information, please refer to our Preoperative Instructions.

If you have questions or wish to schedule a consultation, contact our office today.