Periodontal Problems Associated with the Surgical Exposure of Unerupted Teeth

Abstract

Conventional excisional surgical exposure of an unerupted tooth into the mobile non-keratinized alveolar mucosa results in elongation of the clinical crown, a narrow and non-functional buccal gingival zone, and a predisposition to chronic inflammation of the affected oral mucosa. Use of alternative flap techniques designed to conserve a keratinized mucosa in relation to the crown are only partially successful in avoiding these problems. Surgical exposure of teeth therefore should be avoided whenever possible. On the rare occasions when it becomes necessary, a flap technique must be used to minimise postoperative periodontal pathology.