Oral Surgery
Tooth Exposure
in Foggy Bottom
Tooth Exposure for Foggy Bottom residents at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
Oral Surgery
Tooth Exposure in Foggy Bottom
Foggy Bottom is a central DC neighborhood home to George Washington University, the Kennedy Center, and the State Department, and when it comes to tooth exposure, the community trusts the team of periodontists at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in 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 Foggy Bottom and surrounding areas to our Washington DC office, conveniently located about 5 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 Foggy Bottom.
Our periodontists — Drs. Zalewsky, Alani, Artis, Daru, Lakkis, and Ganesh — combine advanced specialty training with a patient-centered approach. 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. Patients from Foggy Bottom consistently trust our expertise.
Your journey to improved periodontal health starts with a single call. Foggy Bottom residents can reach our Washington DC office at (202) 296-3360 or request a consultation online. Our 5-minute proximity from Foggy Bottom makes expert tooth exposure care genuinely accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth Exposure FAQ for Foggy Bottom 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 Foggy Bottom to Our Washington, DC Office
Our Washington, DC office is approximately 3 minutes from Foggy Bottom, near landmarks such as George Washington University, Kennedy Center, and State Department.
Driving Directions: Head north on 23rd Street NW, then turn east on M Street NW. Our office is at 2311 M Street NW, Suite 500 — just blocks from the Foggy Bottom GWU Metro station.
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.