Orthodontists are dental professionals who specialize in straightening teeth and correcting misaligned jaws. They can also help with problems related to wisdom teeth, including removal. While wisdom teeth may not always need to be removed, an orthodontist can determine whether or not extraction is necessary for a patient’s dental health. In some cases, orthodontists may be the best option for removing wisdom teeth due to their specialized skills and knowledge.Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They are called wisdom teeth because they appear at a time when people are more mature and “wiser” than when their other teeth developed. Wisdom teeth can be healthy and useful, but in many cases, they need to be removed because there is not enough room in the mouth for them to fully erupt.
Do Orthodontists Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Orthodontists are dental professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. While they may not typically perform surgery to remove wisdom teeth, they can provide guidance on the best course of action for your particular situation.
If an orthodontist believes that removal of wisdom teeth is necessary to properly align the teeth or jaw, they may recommend that the patient seek out a qualified oral surgeon for the procedure. The orthodontist can provide a referral to the oral surgeon, as well as advise on how to prepare for the procedure and what kind of follow-up care will be necessary after surgery.
In some cases, an orthodontist may also choose to remove wisdom teeth if they are causing overcrowding, misalignment, or other issues with a person’s bite. This is usually done in cases where it is not possible to correct the problem without removing one or more of the wisdom teeth. In this scenario, an orthodontist will work with an oral surgeon to ensure that the procedure is completed correctly and safely.
It is important to note that not all orthodontists are trained and qualified to perform surgical procedures like wisdom tooth extraction. If you think you may need your wisdom teeth removed, it is best to consult with an experienced oral surgeon who specializes in this type of procedure.
Ultimately, each case is unique and should be discussed with an experienced orthodontist so that you can make an informed decision about how best to address any problems caused by your wisdom teeth.
Reasons for Removing Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that usually appear in the late teens or early twenties. While some people are able to keep their wisdom teeth, others may need to have them removed due to overcrowding, infection, or other dental issues. Here are some of the reasons why a person may need to have their wisdom teeth removed:
The most common reason for having wisdom teeth removed is overcrowding. If there is not enough room in the mouth for all of the teeth, they can become impacted and cause pain and discomfort. In some cases, wisdom teeth can also push other teeth out of alignment, which can cause damage to the surrounding teeth and lead to more serious dental issues.
Infection is another reason why a person may need to have their wisdom teeth removed. When they become impacted and cannot come through properly, they can trap bacteria which can cause a painful infection called pericoronitis. This infection can spread to other areas of the mouth if left untreated, so it’s important that it is taken care of quickly.
Wisdom teeth can also be affected by cysts or tumors which may require removal depending on their severity. Cysts and tumors can cause significant damage if left untreated and should be addressed as soon as possible by an experienced dentist.
Finally, if a person experiences frequent jaw pain or headaches, this could be a sign that their wisdom teeth are causing problems and should be removed. Jaw pain and frequent headaches could be caused by an impacted tooth that’s pressing against nearby nerves or other structures in the jaw area. Removing the tooth will help alleviate these symptoms so that you can enjoy life without any discomfort or pain.
Complications of Keeping Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth can cause a variety of problems if they are not removed. If the teeth are partially emerged, they can trap food and bacteria, leading to infection. Impacted wisdom teeth put pressure on the adjacent teeth, leading to crowding or shifting of these teeth. The root of the wisdom tooth can even damage a neighboring tooth’s root. Further, impacted wisdom teeth can cause cysts and tumors in the jawbone, which can lead to serious complications if not diagnosed and treated early. People who keep their wisdom teeth may also experience frequent headaches and jaw pain due to overcrowding and misalignment.
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth may also cause an infection known as pericoronitis. This infection is caused by bacteria trapped between the gum tissue and the partially erupted tooth. Signs of this infection include redness, swelling, pain in the area, and bad breath or taste in the mouth. If left untreated, pericoronitis can spread to other parts of the body and become more serious.
It is important for people with wisdom teeth to have regular dental exams to check for any potential complications associated with these teeth. An X-ray may be needed to determine if any of these issues are present or developing. In some cases, it is recommended that wisdom teeth be removed even if they do not appear to be causing any issues at present. This is because potential problems may arise as time passes, making it wise to take preventive measures now rather than wait until later when more serious complications can occur.
Preparing for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Having your wisdom teeth removed can be a daunting prospect. But with the right preparation, the process can be much easier. Here are some tips to help you get ready for wisdom tooth extraction:
Before your appointment, it’s important to discuss any medications you may be taking with your dentist or oral surgeon. Some medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may increase bleeding during surgery and should be avoided before your procedure. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection.
On the day of your procedure, make sure to eat a light meal and brush and floss your teeth as usual. You should also wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove during the procedure. Your dentist may provide sedation during the extraction process, so you should arrange transportation home if you choose this option.
After the procedure, it’s important to follow any instructions provided by your dental team. This may include avoiding hard or crunchy foods, taking prescribed antibiotics, and using an ice pack on your face at regular intervals to reduce swelling and discomfort. It’s also important to make sure you get plenty of rest in order to speed up recovery.
By following these steps and discussing any concerns with your dentist or oral surgeon beforehand, you can ensure that you are well prepared for wisdom tooth extraction.
What to Expect After Wisdom Tooth Removal
After having your wisdom teeth removed, it is normal to experience some swelling and soreness around the site of the extraction. This usually lasts for three to five days and can be managed with pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You may also experience some bruising or bleeding in the area, which should resolve itself within a few days. It is important to keep the extraction site clean and avoid brushing or flossing in that area for a few days following surgery.
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection, especially if there was a lot of pushing and pulling on the tooth during extraction. Make sure you follow your dentist’s instructions carefully when taking any medications. In most cases, you will need to wait at least 24 hours before taking a shower or bath after wisdom tooth removal.
It is important to be mindful of what you eat following surgery as well. Stick with soft foods that are easy to chew such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, oatmeal and soups. Avoid hard foods such as nuts, popcorn and chips which could cause irritation in the area where your tooth was extracted.
Your dentist may also suggest avoiding straws for a few days after surgery as the sucking motion can cause more bleeding. You should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking any medications prescribed by your dentist and should not smoke for at least three days after surgery as this can slow down healing time. Your dentist will likely recommend coming back for a follow-up appointment in order to check on how your mouth is healing after wisdom tooth removal.
What Are the Risks of Removing a Wisdom Tooth?
Removing a wisdom tooth is a common dental procedure, but like any surgery, it can carry risks. The most common risks associated with wisdom tooth removal are pain, swelling, infection, and dry socket. Depending on the complexity of the procedure and how difficult it is to reach the wisdom tooth, there may be additional risks as well.
Pain is one of the most common side effects of wisdom tooth removal. Most people experience some discomfort after having their wisdom teeth removed, which can last for several days. Over-the-counter pain medications are typically enough to manage the pain and discomfort associated with having your wisdom teeth removed.
Swelling is another common side effect of having a wisdom tooth removed. Swelling usually occurs in the area around the extraction site and can last for several days or even up to two weeks after surgery. Applying an ice pack to the affected area can help reduce swelling and discomfort in this area.
Infection is another potential risk associated with having a wisdom tooth removed. If bacteria enter the extraction site during surgery or afterwards, it could result in an infection that requires antibiotics to treat. Signs of infection include redness and swelling at the extraction site, as well as fever or chills.
Finally, dry socket is another potential complication that can occur after having your wisdom teeth removed. Dry socket occurs when a blood clot fails to form in the empty socket where your tooth used to be located. This can cause severe pain and discomfort that may last for several days after surgery and require special dressing changes by your dentist or oral surgeon to help heal properly.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction can take anywhere from several days to a few weeks. The recovery time will depend on the complexity of the procedure and how well you take care of yourself after the surgery.
The first 24 hours are the most important for recovery, and it’s important to follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions. This may include taking antibiotics, painkillers, and applying cold compresses to reduce swelling. You should also avoid drinking through a straw, brushing your teeth near the extraction site, and eating hard or crunchy food that could get stuck in the empty socket.
During recovery, you may experience some swelling or bruising around the extraction site, as well as some mild bleeding. Most people can expect some discomfort during this time, but it should be manageable with over-the-counter pain medications.
Over time, the swelling should go down and the discomfort should subside as long as you are taking good care of yourself. Depending on how complex your procedure was, it could take anywhere from 5-14 days until you feel back to normal. If you’re still having issues after two weeks or more of healing time, contact your dentist right away for an evaluation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, orthodontists do not routinely remove wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is typically done by an oral surgeon or a general dentist. Orthodontists are specifically trained to diagnose and treat misaligned teeth and jaws. If you need your wisdom teeth removed, it is best to consult with an oral surgeon or a general dentist who can provide the best care for the procedure.
When deciding whether to have your wisdom teeth removed, it is important to understand the risks and benefits associated with the procedure so that you can make an informed decision. Your health care provider will be able to provide you with guidance regarding your specific situation.
In short, orthodontists do not remove wisdom teeth as part of their specialty training. However, if misalignment of the wisdom teeth is causing a problem for your oral health, an orthodontist may refer you to a specialist who can safely and effectively handle the removal of these third molars.