An orthodontist is a type of dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists are often asked if they can remove wisdom teeth, which are the third molars located at the back corners of the upper and lower jaws. In some cases, an orthodontist may be able to remove wisdom teeth, but it is usually best for an oral surgeon to perform this procedure.No, an Orthodontist does not remove wisdom teeth. That is typically done by an Oral Surgeon. An Orthodontist specializes in straightening teeth and correcting bite issues with braces or other orthodontic appliances.
Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They are located at the very back of the mouth, behind the other teeth. These teeth often don’t have enough room to come in properly, resulting in misalignment, crowding of other teeth, and even pain and infection. In some cases, wisdom teeth may need to be removed by an oral surgeon in order to prevent these issues from occurring.
The removal process typically involves numbing the area around the tooth and then using a special tool to extract it. In some cases, a small incision may be made in order to access the tooth and remove it completely. After extracting wisdom teeth, patients will usually need to take a few days off from work or school in order to heal properly and take care of any potential pain or discomfort that may arise during recovery.
Although they can cause issues if not treated properly, wisdom teeth are important because they provide stability for the jawbone and help keep other teeth from shifting out of alignment. For this reason, it is important to see a dentist regularly so that they can monitor your wisdom teeth and recommend any necessary treatments if needed.
Orthodontists and Oral Surgeons – Who Does What?
Orthodontists and oral surgeons are two types of dental professionals who provide specialized care for the teeth and mouth. Orthodontists specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and correction of misaligned teeth, jaws, and bite patterns. They create customized treatment plans to help patients achieve a healthy smile. Oral surgeons specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgery of diseases related to the mouth, jaw, face, neck, and head. They can perform complex surgeries such as tooth extraction or jaw repositioning.
Orthodontists use diagnostic tools such as x-rays to assess a patient’s condition before creating a customized treatment plan. This may include braces or other appliances to help correct misalignment of the teeth or jaw. Orthodontic treatments can range from minor corrections to complex cases that require multiple visits. Orthodontists also provide advice on oral hygiene practices that can help maintain the correction achieved through treatment.
Oral surgeons are trained to diagnose and treat diseases of the mouth, jaw, face, neck, and head that require surgery or other specialized procedures. Common procedures include wisdom tooth removal or corrective jaw surgery. Oral surgeons may also be called upon to perform reconstructive surgeries such as cleft lip or palate repair. In addition to surgical procedures, oral surgeons offer pre-operative and post-operative care for their patients.
Both orthodontists and oral surgeons play an important role in maintaining good oral health for their patients. While orthodontists focus on preventive care and corrective treatments for misaligned teeth and bite patterns, oral surgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that require more advanced interventions such as surgery.
Reasons to Remove Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop in the mouth, usually appearing in early adulthood. While some people may not experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, many will need to have them removed. Here are some of the common reasons why wisdom teeth removal may be necessary:
Pain: When wisdom teeth emerge, they can cause pain and discomfort as they push against other teeth and become impacted. If they are unable to break through the gum line or are coming in at an angle, it can cause pain and swelling in the area.
Infections: When wisdom teeth are not able to properly emerge from the gum line, food particles and bacteria can become trapped around them, leading to infections of the gums or even tooth decay. Removing them helps prevent these types of infections from occurring.
Crowding: If there is not enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth to come in properly, they can cause crowding of other teeth or misalignment of your bite. Removing them helps prevent these issues from occurring.
Cysts: Cysts can form around impacted wisdom teeth and can lead to bone loss and damage surrounding tissue if left untreated. Removing them helps prevent this from occurring and also prevents cysts from becoming larger or causing more damage over time.
Overall Oral Health: Removing wisdom teeth can help improve overall oral health by preventing pain, infections, crowding, and cysts that could otherwise occur if left untreated. This helps keep other parts of your mouth healthy as well as keeping your smile looking its best!
When is the Best Time to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
The best time to remove wisdom teeth depends on a variety of factors, including the position of the teeth, the size and shape of the teeth, and any complications that may arise from leaving them in. Generally speaking, it is recommended to remove wisdom teeth between the ages of 17 and 25 when they are most likely to cause problems. While it is possible to remove wisdom teeth at any age, a patient’s risk for complications increases as they get older.
The position of wisdom teeth can make a difference when deciding on the best time for removal. If the teeth are positioned normally and have not caused any issues yet, removal may be delayed until they begin to cause problems or until they become impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain and inflammation, and should be removed as soon as possible.
If the wisdom teeth are positioned abnormally or are causing crowding in other areas of the mouth, it might be a good idea to remove them sooner rather than later. Removing them before they become impacted helps prevent further damage and also reduces recovery time after surgery.
It is important to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon before making any decisions about removing your wisdom teeth. They will be able to assess your individual situation and determine what is best for you in terms of timing for removal.
Risks Involved with Removing Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that is performed to prevent potential problems from occurring in the future. While the procedure is relatively safe, there are some risks associated with it. These risks include infection, damage to surrounding teeth, numbness or tingling in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing or speaking. Additionally, there is a slight risk of excessive bleeding following the surgery.
Infection is one of the most common risks associated with wisdom teeth removal. This can occur if bacteria enters the wound site from either contact with saliva or other oral secretions during surgery or from inadequate cleaning of the area prior to surgery. To prevent infection, it is important to keep the wound site clean and dry and to follow any post-operative instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon.
Damage to surrounding teeth and tissue may occur during wisdom tooth removal. This can happen if improper technique is used or if an instrument slips while removing a tooth. Your dentist or oral surgeon should take extreme care when extracting a tooth to avoid any potential damage.
Numbness and tingling in the mouth can occur after wisdom teeth removal due to nerve irritation or damage caused by instruments used during surgery. This symptom usually subsides within a few days but can last for several weeks in some cases. If these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, it is important to contact your dentist so they can assess the area and determine if further treatment is necessary.
Difficulty swallowing and speaking may also be experienced after wisdom teeth removal due to swelling of the tongue or gums that can occur after surgery. This symptom should resolve itself within a few days but may require medical attention if it persists for more than a week or two following surgery.
Excessive bleeding may also occur after wisdom teeth removal due to damage caused by instruments used during surgery or because of inadequate clot formation in the extracted area. If this occurs, it is important to contact your dentist as soon as possible so they can assess the area and determine if further treatment is necessary.
Overview of the Surgery for Removing Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to come in. When they don’t have enough space to grow in properly, they can become impacted, which can lead to infection and other dental problems. In some cases, wisdom teeth removal is recommended by a dentist or oral surgeon. The surgery for removing wisdom teeth is relatively straightforward and usually takes about an hour or two.
The procedure begins with an oral examination and X-ray to determine the exact location of the wisdom teeth and to assess any potential risks associated with their removal. Once this is done, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area around the tooth or teeth that need to be removed. Depending on the complexity of the case, general anesthesia may also be used for more complicated extractions.
Once the patient is adequately sedated or anesthetized, the surgeon will make an incision in the gums near the tooth and remove any bone that may be blocking its path. The tooth will then be carefully extracted using forceps or other instruments. Stitches may be placed at the site of extraction if necessary and gauze will be applied to stop any bleeding.
Afterward, patients are usually advised to take it easy for a few days while their mouth heals. Pain medications can help reduce discomfort during this time and follow-up appointments may also need to be scheduled for further care or monitoring of healing progress. With proper aftercare advice from their surgeon, most patients make a full recovery from wisdom tooth removal within a few weeks or months.
Preparation for Having Wisdom Teeth Removed
It is important to prepare for having wisdom teeth removed. Your dentist will provide instructions on what you need to do prior to the procedure. Depending on your individual situation, steps may include: scheduling a pre-operative appointment, getting laboratory tests or X-rays, and taking any necessary medications. You should also make sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
It is important that you follow your dentist’s instructions carefully so that the procedure runs smoothly and without any complications. Make sure you understand what they are asking of you and ask any questions that come up before your appointment. This will help ensure that everything goes as planned and there are no surprises when it comes time for you to have your wisdom teeth removed.
Your dentist may also give you specific instructions regarding eating and drinking prior to the procedure. It is important that you follow these instructions carefully, as they are designed to ensure a safe and successful outcome. Generally, it is best not to eat or drink anything for at least eight hours prior to the procedure.
It is also important to make sure that your mouth is clean before having your wisdom teeth removed. It is best if you brush and floss thoroughly before the procedure, paying special attention to the area where the wisdom teeth will be removed. This will help reduce the risk of infection or other complications during or after the procedure.
Finally, make sure that someone can drive you home after having your wisdom teeth removed. You may be groggy from anesthesia or pain medication, so it’s important not to drive yourself home from this type of procedure. It’s also a good idea to have someone stay with you for at least a few hours afterwards in case any problems arise during recovery.
By following these preparation steps, you can help ensure a successful outcome when having your wisdom teeth removed. Talk with your dentist about what else needs to be done prior to having this type of dental work done so that everything goes as planned on the day of the procedure
Conclusion
An orthodontist may not always remove wisdom teeth, as the decision is based on individual cases and the recommendation of the dentist or orthodontist. Generally, if there is enough space in the mouth to accommodate the wisdom teeth without causing any damage, then an orthodontist may not recommend their removal. However, if the wisdom teeth are crowding or damaging other teeth, then an orthodontist may decide to remove them to prevent further damage. Ultimately, it is up to the patient and their dentist or orthodontist to decide whether or not they should have their wisdom teeth removed.
When deciding whether or not to have your wisdom teeth removed it is important to consult with both your dentist and your orthodontist. They will be able to provide you with information about your individual case and give you guidance on what would be best for your dental health.