Exposure And Ligation Specialist

What is exposure and ligation?

Exposure and ligation is a technique to treat impacted canine teeth. The procedure exposes the impacted tooth, then uses gentle pressure to guide it into the correct position.

Impaction is a common problem for wisdom teeth. Oral surgeons typically extract impacted wisdom teeth since they’re not necessary for chewing or speaking. However, your canine teeth are critical to biting. They also have the longest tooth root, which could cause problems in your jaw if it doesn’t grow in the right location or position.

The earlier an impacted canine tooth is diagnosed and treated, the better. Your adult canine teeth usually emerge around age 12. Your dentist might identify a problem with dental X-rays before the adult tooth emerges. When your dentist diagnoses impacted canine teeth, the team at Pacific Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center can take prompt action and reduce your risk of infection and pain. 

What happens during exposure and ligation therapy?

During the procedure, the team at Pacific Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center uses Piezosurgery technology to carefully expose the impacted tooth reducing swelling and pain. Then, they attach a small gold chain to the impacted tooth. After a few weeks of healing time, your orthodontist puts gentle pressure on your tooth using the surgically attached gold chain and pulls it out of your jaw and into its correct position.

What should I expect after exposure and ligation treatment?

While the initial exposure and ligation procedure is a relatively quick outpatient operation, you might need a year for your tooth to migrate to the correct position. Any pain or swelling due to the procedure should subside in a couple of days.

However, you might continue to feel pressure as your tooth moves to the correct location. Ice and over-the-counter pain medication should relieve any discomfort. Your oral surgeon can answer your questions and provide personalized aftercare instructions.

If you have an impacted canine or any other impacted teeth, call the team at Pacific Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center or make an appointment online today for customized exposure and ligation treatment.