Oral Surgery
Tooth Exposure
in Rosslyn
Tooth Exposure for Rosslyn residents at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
Oral Surgery
Tooth Exposure in Rosslyn
Rosslyn is a bustling Arlington neighborhood with a dramatic skyline directly across the Key Bridge from Georgetown, 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.
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. From Rosslyn, our Washington DC office is approximately 8 minutes away, making it easy to receive tooth exposure treatment without a long commute.
Why Precision Periodontics
Board-certified periodontists serving Rosslyn.
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 Rosslyn patients access to a depth of expertise unmatched in the DC metro area.
If you are in Rosslyn and ready to explore your tooth exposure options, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry. Our Washington DC office is just 8 minutes away, and our team is here to answer your questions and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Contact us today at (202) 296-3360 or request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth Exposure FAQ for Rosslyn 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 Rosslyn to Our Washington, DC Office
Our Washington, DC office is approximately 7 minutes from Rosslyn, near landmarks such as Rosslyn Metro station, U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), and Key Bridge.
Driving Directions: Cross Key Bridge or the Francis Scott Key Bridge into Georgetown, then head east on M Street NW. Our DC office is at 2311 M Street NW, Suite 500, just across the bridge.
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.