Our Services
Exposure & Bonding
Bringing impacted teeth into alignment — and restoring their form and function once they arrive.
What It Is
Two coordinated procedures, one complete outcome.
Exposure and bonding are two related treatments used together to help patients whose teeth are impacted — meaning they're stuck below the gumline and haven't emerged on their own. Exposure is the surgical step: we uncover the tooth by carefully removing the overlying gum tissue to give it a path to come in. Bonding follows, using tooth-colored composite resin to restore the tooth's appearance and function once it has properly erupted.
This combination is most often used for canine teeth (the pointed teeth toward the front of your mouth) that become impacted — a relatively common issue that, left untreated, can cause crowding, shifting of adjacent teeth, and difficulty biting. By surgically exposing the tooth and working with an orthodontist to guide it into position, we can resolve the problem without extraction.
Every case is different. We evaluate the position of the impacted tooth, your bite, and your overall treatment goals before recommending a course of action — and we'll explain the full picture before anything is scheduled.
Exposure uncovers the impacted tooth; bonding restores its appearance and function.
Tooth-colored composite resin is used to restore the tooth after exposure.
Why Vandervoort
Why Choose Vandervoort Family Dentistry for Exposure & Bonding
- Resolves impacted teeth without extraction, preserving your natural smile
- Prevents the alignment and crowding problems an untreated impaction can cause
- Minimal recovery — most patients return to normal activities within days
- Tooth-colored bonding material matched precisely to your natural shade
- Each case evaluated individually — we tailor the approach to your anatomy and goals
The Process
What to Expect with Exposure & Bonding
From evaluation to final restoration, here's how the treatment typically unfolds.
Evaluation & Planning
We examine the impacted tooth — often using X-rays or cone beam imaging — and discuss your options. If exposure and bonding is the right path, we coordinate the plan with your orthodontist before proceeding.
Surgical Exposure
Under local anesthesia, we gently remove the overlying gum tissue to uncover the impacted tooth. A small bracket or chain is often attached at this stage to allow orthodontic guidance into its correct position.
Bonding & Restoration
Once the tooth has fully erupted into place, tooth-colored composite resin is applied to restore its shape and blend it naturally with your surrounding teeth — completing the treatment.
Have Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions About Exposure & Bonding
Explore More
Explore Our Services
Cosmetic Dentistry
Veneers, whitening, smile makeovers, and more — cosmetic care that starts with your goals, not a template.
Learn More →Dental Bonding
Tooth-colored resin repairs chips, discoloration, and minor gaps — often in a single visit with minimal preparation.
Learn More →Restorative Dentistry
Crowns, bridges, implants, and full-mouth rehabilitation — restorative care planned around what you actually need.
Learn More →What Patients Say
“Staff is super friendly and personable. They go above and beyond to help my toddler feel comfortable at the office and take his lead with how far they push for visits. Procedures are explained well and staff is patient if a break is needed.”
— Meghann K.
Read More ReviewsHave questions about an impacted tooth?
We’ll review your X-rays with you and explain exactly what’s going on. If exposure and bonding is the right call, we’ll walk you through every step before scheduling anything.