At Dischinger Orthodontics in Lake Oswego, we get a lot of questions about the journey to a perfect smile. One of the most common is about wisdom teeth. Patients often ask if their wisdom teeth need to be removed before getting braces, and, more specifically, if we are the ones who can perform the extraction.
This post will answer that question and explain the distinct roles of orthodontists and oral surgeons in your dental care. We’ll cover when wisdom teeth removal is necessary for orthodontic treatment and what you can expect from the process.
Key Takeaways
- Different Specialists, Different Roles: Orthodontists specialize in aligning teeth and jaws, while oral surgeons are trained in surgical procedures, including complex tooth extractions.
- When Removal is Needed: Wisdom teeth may need to be removed if they are impacted or could cause crowding, potentially undoing orthodontic work.
- Orthodontists and Extractions: While orthodontists are licensed dentists and can perform simple extractions, they typically refer complex cases like wisdom teeth removal to an oral surgeon.
- Coordinated Care is Crucial: The best outcomes result from your orthodontist and oral surgeon working together to create a seamless treatment plan.
Understanding the Roles: Orthodontists vs. Oral Surgeons
Before we dive into wisdom teeth, it’s important to understand the different specialists involved in your dental health.
What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. After completing four years of dental school, an orthodontist undergoes an additional two to three years of specialized full-time training in an accredited orthodontic residency program.
At Dischinger Orthodontics, our specialists, like Dr. Bill Dischinger, Dr. Jeff Sessions, and Dr. Sara Edmondson, use appliances like braces and clear aligners to guide your teeth into their ideal positions, improving both your smile’s appearance and your overall oral function.
What is an Oral Surgeon?
An oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a dental specialist who handles a wide range of surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaws, and face. Their extensive training, which follows dental school, includes a hospital-based surgical residency program lasting at least four years.
This gives them expertise in complex extractions, dental implant placement, corrective jaw surgery, and treating facial trauma.
Key Differences in Training
- Focus: Orthodontists focus on tooth movement and jaw alignment (orthopedics), while oral surgeons focus on surgical procedures.
- Education: Both are dentists, but orthodontists complete a residency in orthodontics, and oral surgeons complete a residency in surgery.
- Procedures: Orthodontists use braces, aligners, and other appliances. Oral surgeons perform extractions, place implants, and conduct jaw surgery.
Can Orthodontists Remove Wisdom Teeth?
So, can an orthodontist remove your wisdom teeth? The short answer is: sometimes, but it’s not their specialty.
Orthodontists are licensed dentists, which means they are legally qualified to perform tooth extractions. Many orthodontists do remove teeth, but these are typically simple extractions needed to create space for alignment, such as removing premolars.
However, wisdom teeth extractions are often much more complex. They can be impacted (stuck beneath the gum line), grow in at an angle, or be located near sensitive nerves. These situations require the specialized surgical skills, equipment, and sedation options that an oral surgeon’s office is set up to provide.
For the safety and comfort of our patients, orthodontists almost always refer wisdom teeth removal to a trusted oral surgeon.
When is Wisdom Teeth Removal Necessary for Orthodontics?
Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed for successful orthodontic treatment. However, there are several scenarios where we might recommend it.
Your wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to emerge, usually in your late teens or early twenties. Because of this, there often isn’t enough room for them to grow in properly. This can lead to a few problems relevant to orthodontics:
- Crowding: If wisdom teeth erupt and there isn’t enough space, they can push against your other teeth, causing them to shift and become crooked. This can undermine the results of your braces or aligners.
- Impaction: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. Removing them prevents future complications that could interfere with your treatment.
- Interference with Treatment: In some cases, the position of the wisdom teeth can physically block the desired movement of other teeth during orthodontic treatment.
A thorough consultation, including X-rays like the i-CAT FLX 3D cone beam scan we use at Dischinger Orthodontics, helps us determine if your wisdom teeth pose a threat to your orthodontic outcome.
The Process: What to Expect
If it’s determined that your wisdom teeth should be removed, the process involves close collaboration between our office and an oral surgeon.
- Initial Consultation: Your journey starts with a free consultation at Dischinger Orthodontics. We take comprehensive records, including photos and X-rays, to assess your teeth, jaws, and airway. Our orthodontist will discuss your goals and determine if wisdom teeth removal is advisable.
- Referral to an Oral Surgeon: If removal is necessary, we will refer you to a trusted oral surgeon in the Portland or Lake Oswego area. We work with the best specialists to ensure you receive excellent care.
- Coordinated Care: Our team will communicate directly with the oral surgeon’s office, sharing X-rays and treatment plans. This ensures that the timing of the extraction fits perfectly within your overall orthodontic timeline.
- The Extraction: The oral surgeon will handle the wisdom teeth removal, typically using sedation to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Follow-Up and Orthodontic Treatment: After you have healed from the surgery, you will return to our office to either begin or continue your orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners.
Choosing the Right Professional
Selecting qualified, experienced professionals is the most important step for a successful outcome. At Dischinger Orthodontic, our doctors are not only highly trained but are also leaders in the field. Dr. Bill Dischinger has lectured worldwide and is an adjunct professor at the University of the Pacific, while Dr. Sara Edmondson is a board-certified orthodontist.
We pride ourselves on providing:
- Individualized Treatment Plans: Every patient is unique. We tailor our plans to your specific needs.
- Advanced Technology: We use state-of-the-art tools like the Damon System and Spark Aligners for more efficient and comfortable treatment.
- Transparent Pricing: We offer upfront, all-inclusive pricing with flexible, interest-free financing options so there are no surprises.
To learn more, give us a call and visit our orthodontic office in Lake Oswego.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do wisdom teeth need to be removed for braces?
A: Not always. Removal is recommended if the wisdom teeth are impacted, causing crowding, or may interfere with achieving a stable, long-term result. Your orthodontist will evaluate your specific situation with X-rays.
Q: Can a regular dentist remove wisdom teeth?
A: Yes, general dentists can remove wisdom teeth, especially if the extraction is straightforward. However, for impacted or complex cases, they will often refer you to an oral surgeon who has specialized training for these procedures.
Q: Do orthodontists remove any teeth?
A: Yes, orthodontists may perform simple extractions of teeth (like premolars) to create space needed for proper alignment. However, for more complex extractions like wisdom teeth, they refer to an oral surgeon.
Q: How long after wisdom teeth removal can I get braces?
A: Typically, you can get braces a few weeks after your wisdom teeth are removed, once the extraction sites have healed sufficiently. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon will coordinate the timing to ensure a smooth transition.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
While orthodontists typically do not remove wisdom teeth, they play a crucial role in identifying when removal is necessary and coordinating your care with an oral surgeon. This teamwork ensures that nothing stands in the way of achieving and maintaining your beautiful, healthy smile.
If you have questions about your wisdom teeth or are considering orthodontic treatment, the first step is a professional consultation. We invite you to see what our patients are saying about their experience with our team.
Visit our Google My Business page to read our reviews and then schedule your free consultation!
Dischinger Orthodontics (Lake Oswego)
3943 Douglas Wy, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
(503) 635-4439