Oral Surgery
Tooth Exposure
in Bethesda
Tooth Exposure for Bethesda residents at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
Oral Surgery
Tooth Exposure in Bethesda
Residents of Bethesda, an affluent Montgomery County community just across the DC line, known for its thriving restaurant scene and the National Institutes of Health, 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.
We welcome patients from Bethesda and surrounding areas to our Washington DC office, conveniently located about 15 minutes away. 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 Bethesda.
What sets Precision Periodontics apart for Bethesda residents is our team of six board-certified periodontists, each bringing unique expertise and a shared commitment to clinical excellence. 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.
Your journey to improved periodontal health starts with a single call. Bethesda residents can reach our Washington DC office at (202) 296-3360 or request a consultation online. Our 15-minute proximity from Bethesda makes expert tooth exposure care genuinely accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth Exposure FAQ for Bethesda 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 Bethesda to Our Washington, DC Office
Our Washington, DC office is approximately 15 minutes from Bethesda, near landmarks such as National Institutes of Health, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and Bethesda Row.
Driving Directions: Take Wisconsin Avenue (Route 355) south through Friendship Heights into DC. Turn left on M Street NW and continue east to our office 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.