Introduction
In consultation with your orthodontist, you have received a referral for uncovering/ligation of a tooth. Sometimes, teeth do not emerge due to lack of space, accidents, or genetic factors. This tooth needs to be uncovered. In most instances, a gold bracket (brace) along with a chain is attached to the tooth, allowing the continuation of treatment with the orthodontist. This approach usually facilitates the proper positioning of the respective tooth.

The procedure
The treatment takes about 30 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia. To obtain a clear view of the tooth, some gum tissue is loosened and moved aside. Typically, the tooth is covered by a thin layer of jawbone, which can be easily removed with a drill. Subsequently, a bracket is applied, and the gum tissue is sutured closed. These sutures will dissolve within 10 to 14 days. A golden chain is attached to this bracket, which is usually connected to the braces with a piece of orthodontic wire. The orthodontist will use this chain to position the tooth correctly. If there is a baby tooth present at the location where the tooth should be, it will be removed during the procedure. It is essential to have an appointment with your orthodontist within 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure to continue the treatment.

Removing gauze and managing bleeding:
After certain treatments, a gauze may be placed on the wound. Bite down on the gauze for half an hour to stop bleeding. If the wound starts bleeding again at home, fold a gauze, napkin, or handkerchief and bite down firmly on it for another hour. A small amount of (old) blood in the saliva during the first few days is normal. If bleeding persists, please contact us by phone.

Wound healing:
To ensure proper wound healing, it is essential to:

• Avoid rinsing or spitting for the first 24 hours.
• Brush your teeth normally, excluding the wound area for the first 1-3 days.
• Do not smoke nor consuming alcohol during the first week.
• Use the prescribed mouthwash starting from the day after the procedure.

Possible symptoms during the first week may include:

• Pain.
• Swallowing difficulties and limited mouth opening.
• A general feeling of illness with a slightly elevated body temperature.
• Swelling inside and outside the mouth, which may be particularly significant in the mornings. These symptoms typically subside after about a week.

Pain:
After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience pain, which can last for about a week. If the doctor prescribed pain medication, follow the instructions provided. You can pick up the prescription from your pharmacy. You may also use paracetamol if needed.

Swelling:
After the treatment your cheek and/or lip may swell. This is a normal result of the treatment. To limit the swelling we may provide you with a cold pack after the treatment. You can also apply a washcloth filled with ice cubes to your cheek at home. We recommend cooling for fifteen minutes at a time, with intervals of several minutes. The cheek should not freeze. Be careful not to freeze the skin, always wrap the cold pack in a tea towel so the cold does not damage your numbed skin. Your cheek and/or lip may be quite swollen for the first two to three days. The swelling usually disappears after seven to ten days.

Fever:
After the treatment, you may experience a slight fever. After three to four days, the fever usually decreases.

Contact Haaglanden Clinics when you experience:

• A fever above 39 degrees Celsius.
• Severe bleeding.
• An increase in swelling and difficulty swallowing 3-5 days after your treatment.

Do you have any questions after reading the brochure? Feel free to call Haaglanden Clinics. We are available by phone from Monday to Friday, from 08:30 to 12:15 and from 13:00 to 17:00, at telephone number 070 2212121.

In case of emergencies or urgent complaints outside Haaglanden Clinics’ opening hours, please contact the Emergency Department of Haaglanden Medical Center at telephone number 088 9792380.