Chapter 13
Exposure of Impacted Maxillary Teeth for Orthodontic Treatment
HISTORY
Impactions of the maxillary teeth, canines in particular, can be classified as labial, palatal, and intermediate (Kruger 1984). Precise localization of the crown through intraoral radiographs is important to determine the surgical approach and the flap design.
INDICATION
- Exposure of impacted teeth
ARMAMENTARIUM
This includes the basic kit plus surgical round burrs (carbide or diamond).
TECHNIQUE
After localization of the crown, buccally or palatally, the area is anesthetized. In the case of buccal impaction, it is critical to design the incision to retain as much attached gingiva as possible to avoid a mucogingival defect afterward (Fig. 13.1). A full-thickness flap with vertical releasing incisions is elevated to expose th/>