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What Is an Expose and Bond Procedure?
An Expose and Bond procedure is commonly used in orthodontics to help a tooth that has not fully erupted through the gums, or which may be completely or partially impacted in bone, (most often it’s a canine tooth but can include any tooth in the mouth) to come in properly.
In this procedure, the oral surgeon will expose the tooth that is impacted by making an incision in the gum tissue. Once the tooth is exposed, a bracket and a chain are bonded to the tooth, which allows your orthodontist to gradually bring it into the correct position with the help of braces or a gentle pulling method.
What to Expect During the Procedure?
The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, meaning you’ll be numbed in the area, and you won’t feel pain during the procedure. The surgeon will gently expose the tooth and place a small bracket and chain on it. The chain is then attached to your braces to help gradually guide the tooth into the correct position.
Aftercare for Expose and Bond Procedure
1. Manage Discomfort
After the procedure, some swelling and tenderness in the area are normal. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your oral surgeon to manage discomfort. Ice packs applied to the outside of your face for the first 24 hours can help reduce swelling.
2. Avoid Touching the Area
Try not to disturb the treated area with your tongue or fingers. This helps to avoid irritation or accidentally dislodging the bracket or chain.
3. Soft Foods
For the first 3 weeks, stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods like yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could irritate the surgical site.
4. Oral Hygiene
Continue brushing and flossing, but be gentle around the area where the procedure was performed. If needed, use a saltwater rinse after meals to keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. Your orthodontist may also recommend a special mouth rinse or Dr. Matthews will prescribe one for you.
5. Follow-up Appointments
Regular follow-up visits with both your oral surgeon and orthodontist are essential to monitor the progress of the tooth eruption and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
6. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking or consuming alcohol too soon after the procedure can delay healing and increase the risk of complications, so it’s best to avoid them for 3 weeks.
Risks and Benefits of Expose and Bond Procedure
Benefits:
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Helps Erupt Impacted Teeth: This procedure is highly effective in helping teeth, particularly canines that are stuck beneath the gum line (soft tissue), to come in properly, avoiding future alignment issues.
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Improves Aesthetics and Functionality: Once the tooth is in its correct position, it will not only improve the appearance of your smile but also restore proper bite function.
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Preserves Natural Teeth: By using this method, you can avoid extraction, which helps preserve your natural tooth structure.
Risks:
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Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a slight risk of infection at the incision site. However, following proper aftercare instructions can help minimize this risk.
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Tooth Movement Complications: While rare, the tooth may not move into place as expected, which could require additional treatments or adjustments.
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Scarring: The small incision made in the gum tissue may leave a small scar, although it is typically not visible once healing is complete. Damage to adjacent teeth and associated structures and potential need for root canal therapy.