Exposure of buried teeth is the process by which teeth that are partially or completely buried are brought into view or position.

Common Reasons for Buried Teeth

• Impacted Teeth
  the most common cause of a tooth being buried is impaction. This occurs when the tooth fails to erupt properly into the mouth. Wisdom teeth (third molars) and canines (especially upper ones) are frequently impacted.
• Under Developed
  Some individuals may have teeth that are buried because they never fully developed, or they were displaced during development.

• Extra teeth
  or “supernumerary” teeth, may obstruct the eruption of normal teeth, leading to the teeth becoming buried beneath the gums or bone.
• Certain developmental anomalies
  Can cause the tooth to fail to erupt properly. This can include factors like an overlying cyst or the tooth being positioned at an abnormal angle.

Why is Exposing Buried Teeth Important?

Restoring Function – In many cases, a buried tooth is exposed so it can be brought into alignment with the rest of the teeth, which improves both aesthetics and function (e.g., occlusion and bite). This can also preventing future problems which can arise from an unerupted impacted tooth, such as infection, cyst formation, or damage to adjacent teeth.

Methods of Exposure

The method of exposing buried teeth can vary depending on the severity of the impaction and the location of the tooth. Common techniques include:

• Surgical Exposure
  This is the most common technique for uncovering an impacted or buried tooth. The surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth, often removing bone or tissue that is covering it. This allows the tooth to be brought into a better position for either eruption or further treatment (like orthodontic traction).
• Orthodontic Traction
  After exposure, an orthodontic appliance (like a bracket and wire or gold chain) may be attached to the tooth, and gentle force is applied to guide the tooth into its proper position in the dental arch.
• Flap Surgery
  In some cases, a “flap” of gum tissue may be raised to expose the tooth. This technique allows for easier access to the tooth while minimizing damage to surrounding structures.

Post-Surgical Care

After the exposure of buried teeth, it is normal to experience mild to moderate discomfort. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are usually sufficient, together with a soft diet until the mouth feels comfortable again in about a week. Keeping the area clean is critical to avoid infection, but care should be taken not to irritate the surgical site. You will be advised on the use of warm saltwater mouthwashes and general aftercare management of any stitches in your mouth.

Risks and Considerations

As with any surgical procedure, exposing buried teeth comes with certain risks:

• Infection
  There is a small risk of infection at the surgical site.
• Damage to Adjacent Teeth or Nerves
  If the buried tooth is in close proximity to important structures (such as nerves or neighbouring teeth), there is a risk of unintentional damage during the procedure.
• Failure to Erupt
  In some cases, even after surgical exposure, the tooth may not erupt properly.
• Scarring or Tissue Changes
  the gum tissue may heal in a way that leads to visible scarring, although this is typically minimal and can be managed.