Exposure of Impacted Teeth
An impacted tooth is one that has not come through, or will not come through, on its own. After wisdom teeth, the upper canine (eye tooth) is the most commonly impacted tooth. Dr Tom Jaunay works with your orthodontist to uncover the tooth so it can be guided into place.
Signs to look out for
- The canine cannot be felt as a bump above the baby canine by about age 10–11
- One canine has come through and the other has not
- A baby canine still in place after about age 13
- A bulge on the roof of the mouth, or the front tooth beside it tilting
Acting early matters, because an out-of-position canine can damage the roots of the neighbouring front teeth.
How the tooth is exposed
- Laser exposure: for canines sitting just under the gum. Little bleeding and no dressing.
- Bonded open exposure: the tooth is uncovered and a small attachment is bonded to it so your orthodontist can start moving it straight away.
- Closed exposure: for deeper teeth. An attachment with a fine gold chain is bonded to the tooth and the gum is closed over it.
Your orthodontist usually starts moving the tooth about 2 weeks after surgery. It works best if braces are already on before surgery.
Awake or asleep?
A single canine near the surface can often be exposed under local anaesthetic in our rooms for older children and teenagers. Deeper or two-sided canines, younger or anxious children, and cases with other teeth removed at the same time usually suit a general anaesthetic in a private hospital.
Fees
| Treatment | Typical fee |
|---|---|
| Exposure only, per tooth | $515 |
| Exposure and bonding an attachment, per tooth | $905 |
| Anaesthetist (general anaesthetic only) | $500–$900 |
| Hospital (general anaesthetic only) | $1,350–$2,650 |
Fees are before health fund rebates. You will receive a written, itemised estimate at your consultation. Where total estimated costs exceed $2,000, surgeon’s and anaesthetist’s fees can be paid through Zip Money, interest free over 6 months (Zip approval, fees and terms apply). See About our Fees (PDF) and Paying with Zip Money (PDF). There is no charge for aftercare.
Where we treat you
Consultations are at our rooms in Macquarie Street (Sydney City), Hurstville and Miranda, 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. Surgery under general anaesthetic is performed at Kareena Private Hospital, Waratah Private Hospital or Sydney Day Surgery Prince Alfred. See our locations.
Getting started
Ask your dentist or GP for a referral to Dr Tom Jaunay, then call us on 02 8513 9810 or contact us to book. Please bring your referral and any X-rays or scans.
Read our impacted canine common questions →
Warning signs, X-rays and scans, removing baby canines, exposure techniques, our attachment results and recovery, with references.