The surgical exposure of teeth - simplest, safest and best?

The alignment of impacted teeth forms an important part of the work load in orthodontic practice and involves co-operation between the oral surgeon and the orthodontist. Any tooth in either arch may be impacted. This article concentrates on the distally impacted lower second premolar, a tooth commonly impacted, and the unerupted non-tilted lower molar which infrequently requires treatment. Cases are illustrated of teeth which were uncovered and subsequently reached the occlusal plane without orthodontic intervention. The cases form the basis for the suggestion that uncovering alone should be the first line of approach in the alignment of these impacted teeth.

The hazards of other approaches are discussed.