When a tooth remains trapped beneath the gums long after it should have emerged, it can alter bite alignment, damage other teeth and affect one’s overall oral health. At Longmont Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery we work closely with your orthodontist to gently expose impacted teeth (most often upper canines) so they can be guided into their proper position and complete your smile.
Meet Your Oral Surgeons
Board‑certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons Dr. Andrus and Dr. Howard use 3D imaging and precise minimally invasive techniques to uncover impacted teeth while protecting surrounding bone and gum tissue. Their calm manner and clear explanations help patients and parents feel confident from start to finish.
What Is Surgical Exposure
During a brief outpatient procedure the surgeon creates a small window in the gum over the impacted tooth, removes minimal bone if necessary, and bonds a tiny orthodontic bracket with a gold chain. Your orthodontist later attaches the chain to your braces or clear‑aligner hardware and applies gentle traction that encourages the tooth to erupt into place over several months.
Signs an Impacted Tooth May Need Exposure
- Canine or other permanent tooth missing from the arch after age 13
- Bulge or tenderness in the palate or gum above baby teeth
- Delayed eruption causing crowding or midline shift
- Abnormal root resorption on adjacent teeth seen on X‑ray
A cone‑beam CT scan pinpoints tooth position, root orientation, and any obstacles before planning surgery.
What You Can Expect
| Step | What Happens | Your Experience |
| 1. Consultation | Meet Dr. Andrus or Dr. Howard, review 3D imaging, discuss health history. | Thorough explanation followed by plenty of Q & A time. |
| 2. Personalized Plan | Decide on anesthesia. Moderate or deep IV sedation, general anesthesia, or local anesthesia only. | Clear guidance on what to expect and how to prepare. |
| 3. Day of Surgery | Procedure performed. Typically 30–60 minutes. | Comfortable surroundings and a caring clinical team. |
| 4. Immediate Recovery | Rest in-office until you are awake and stable; detailed take-home instructions. | A responsible adult drives you home and helps to care for you the rest of the day. |
| 5. Follow-Up & Healing | We follow up with patients and generally schedule patients for a follow-up visit in one week. | You will receive a post-op call the night of your surgery to check in. Plan on attending any scheduled post-op visits. In the meantime, call the office with any questions. |
Caring for Your Mouth After Surgery
- Keep gauze in place for the first 30–60 minutes to control bleeding.
- Apply an ice pack in 20-minute intervals for the first day.
- Start gentle salt-water rinses after 24 hours to keep the sites clean.
- Stick to soft foods such as smoothies, yogurt, and scrambled eggs for several days.
- Avoid straws, carbonated drinks, and smoking, which can dislodge the protective clot and lead to dry socket.
Most patients feel ready to return to school or work within three to five days, though up to a week may be needed in rare cases.
Insurance, Cost, and Flexible Financing
Our team works with your insurance company and strives to provide an accurate summary of benefits and an estimate of any out-of-pocket investment before treatment. Need a payment plan? We partner with trusted third-party financing companies to spread costs into affordable monthly installments.
Why Patients & Dentists Trust Our Team
- Clinical Precision & Compassion: Board-certified surgeons who blend advanced techniques with compassion and a genuine bedside manner.
- Seamless Communication: We strive to keep you, your referring dentist, and your hygienist informed every step of the way.
- Mission-Driven Care: “Through knowledge, kindness, and respect, our team strives to provide the highest level of care for our patients, their families, and our community.”
Schedule Your Consultation
If your dentist or orthodontist has identified an impacted tooth, or you notice a missing permanent tooth that has not erupted, schedule a consultation at Longmont Oral, Facial & Implant Surgery. You will meet your surgeon, review detailed images, and leave with a clear plan to guide the tooth into its ideal position.
Call (303) 772‑8870 or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, complete smile.
