Cosmetic Dentistry
Helping a tooth find its way into place.
Sometimes a tooth doesn't emerge through the gum on its own. Exposure bonding is a way of gaining access to that tooth and attaching something to its surface so it can gradually be guided into the correct position. It's a less common situation than most of what we see from San Ramon patients, and one that starts with a careful look at what's actually happening beneath the gumline.
What it is, in general terms
Exposing a tooth, then giving it something to be guided by.
When a tooth is unable to erupt through the gum on its own, the gum tissue covering it needs to be uncovered so the tooth becomes accessible. Once exposed, a small attachment can be bonded to the tooth's surface, giving it a point of connection that can be used to help draw the tooth toward its proper position over time.
The specifics of how this is approached — the technique used to expose the tooth, how the movement is guided afterward, and the timeline involved — depend entirely on the individual case and are determined after a thorough evaluation of your particular situation.
Every case is evaluated individually before any plan is discussed.
When it may be appropriate
When a tooth is present, but stuck beneath the gum.
This situation is usually identified through a routine exam or X-ray that shows a tooth is present in the bone but hasn't come through the gum as expected. It's a relatively uncommon finding, and whether exposure bonding is the appropriate response depends on the tooth involved, its position, and your overall dental and orthodontic picture.
This isn't a situation to self-diagnose from a description online — an actual exam and imaging are what determine whether this applies to you and what the next step should be.
Why diagnosis matters
Understanding the tooth's position comes first.
Before any recommendation is made, we need a clear picture of where the tooth sits, how it's angled, and how it relates to the roots of the teeth around it. That picture is what determines whether exposure bonding is a reasonable path forward, and it's a conversation we have carefully and individually, rather than treating every unerupted tooth the same way.
What patients can expect
A conversation, before any procedure.
If this situation applies to you or your child, expect the first step to be a thorough evaluation, including imaging, followed by a plain-language explanation of what's happening and what the options are. Because this kind of case can involve coordination with other dental professionals depending on the specifics, we'll be upfront about who's involved in your care and why.
Been told a tooth hasn't come in as expected? Let's take a look.
A consultation is a conversation, not a commitment. We'll explain what we see and what the reasonable options are.