Oral Surgery
Tooth Exposure
in Ashburn
Tooth Exposure for Ashburn residents at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
Oral Surgery
Tooth Exposure in Ashburn
For Ashburn residents seeking tooth exposure, our board-certified periodontists provide exceptional results at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in Reston. 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.
Located just 20 minutes from Ashburn, our Reston practice makes it convenient to access specialist-level tooth exposure care close to home. 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 Ashburn.
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 team includes six board-certified periodontists — Drs. Zalewsky, Alani, Artis, Daru, Lakkis, and Ganesh — giving Ashburn patients access to a depth of expertise unmatched in the DC metro area.
We encourage Ashburn residents to take the next step toward improved oral health and confidence. Call our Reston office at (703) 689-4442 or use our online form to request your tooth exposure consultation. We look forward to welcoming you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth Exposure FAQ for Ashburn 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 Ashburn to Our Reston, VA Office
Our Reston, VA office is approximately 20 minutes from Ashburn, near landmarks such as One Loudoun, Ashburn Village, and George Washington University Science and Technology Campus.
Driving Directions: Take the Dulles Greenway or Route 7 East toward Reston. Exit at Reston Parkway and head south to Metro Center Drive. Our Reston office is at 1886 Metro Center Drive, Suite 610.
Reston, VA: 1886 Metro Center Drive, Suite 610, Reston, VA 20190
(703) 689-4442Request 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 Reston office. We look forward to welcoming you.