Teeth sometimes fail to erupt into the mouth during normal growth and development for various reasons. When Orthodontic treatment occurs to correct tooth alignment, it becomes necessary to expose the "impacted" tooth in order to achieve the correct alignment.  Exposure of the impacted tooth involves a minor surgical procedure which uncovers the crown of the tooth (enamel portion) to allow the Orthodontist attach to it and guide the tooth into proper position. Depending on the location of the impacted tooth, the covering gum tissue will also be re-positioned to preserve the biologic seal during eruption of the tooth.