Oral Surgery
Tooth Exposure
in Arlington
Tooth Exposure for Arlington residents at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
Oral Surgery
Tooth Exposure in Arlington
Residents of Arlington, a dynamic Northern Virginia county just across the Potomac from DC, home to the Pentagon, Arlington Cemetery, and thriving urban villages, now have convenient access to expert tooth exposure care at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in nearby Washington DC. Tooth exposure is a minor surgical procedure to uncover an impacted or unerupted tooth — most commonly a canine — and attach an orthodontic bracket so the tooth can be guided into its proper position.
The short 10-minute drive from Arlington to our Washington DC office is well worth it for the level of specialized tooth exposure care our periodontists deliver. Impacted canines and other teeth that fail to erupt on their own need to be surgically exposed so orthodontic treatment can bring them into alignment, preserving the natural tooth rather than extracting it.
Why Precision Periodontics
Board-certified periodontists serving Arlington.
As a practice with six board-certified periodontists, Precision Periodontics offers a level of specialized care that sets us apart in tooth exposure. Our periodontists make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the crown of the impacted tooth, then bond an orthodontic bracket and chain to it. The orthodontist then gradually guides the tooth into its correct position in the arch. Our Arlington patients appreciate both our clinical skill and our genuinely caring approach.
Ready to learn more about tooth exposure? Arlington patients can reach our Washington DC practice by calling (202) 296-3360 or submitting an appointment request online. Our periodontists are committed to providing you with outstanding care from your very first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth Exposure FAQ for Arlington Patients
What is tooth exposure surgery?
Tooth exposure is a minor surgical procedure to uncover an impacted or unerupted tooth — most commonly an upper canine — that is trapped beneath the gum tissue or bone. The periodontist creates an opening in the tissue, bonds an orthodontic bracket with a small gold chain to the tooth, and the orthodontist then gradually guides the tooth into its proper position.
Why are upper canines the most commonly impacted teeth after wisdom teeth?
Upper canines have the longest and most complex eruption path of any tooth, traveling from near the eye socket down to the dental arch. They are the last of the front teeth to erupt (around age 11-13), so they are more likely to be blocked by crowding, supernumerary teeth, or abnormal positioning of the developing tooth bud.
How long does it take for an exposed tooth to move into position?
Once exposed and bonded, the orthodontist applies gentle force via the chain and braces. The tooth typically takes 6 to 18 months to move into its final position, depending on how far it needs to travel and the patient's age. Younger patients generally experience faster tooth movement.
What is the alternative if an impacted canine cannot be saved?
If the impacted tooth is severely malpositioned, ankylosed (fused to bone), or its root is resorbing, extraction may be recommended. The space can then be closed orthodontically or restored with a dental implant once growth is complete. Early detection through X-rays by age 7 to 10 gives the best chance of successful exposure.
Getting Here
Directions from Arlington to Our Washington, DC Office
Our Washington, DC office is approximately 10 minutes from Arlington, near landmarks such as Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.
Driving Directions: From Arlington, take I-66 East or Route 50 East across the Roosevelt Bridge into DC. Continue along Constitution Avenue, then turn north on 23rd Street NW and east on M Street. Our office is at 2311 M Street NW, Suite 500.
Washington, DC: 2311 M Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 296-3360Request An Appointment
Let us help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
Contact us with any questions or to schedule a tooth exposure consultation at our Washington, DC office. We look forward to welcoming you.