When it comes to dental care, there are many questions that people often ask, particularly when it comes to the treatment of wisdom teeth. One common question that arises is whether orthodontists handle wisdom teeth. The answer to this can be complex because it depends on the specific circumstances of the patient and their dental health needs. This article will explore the role of orthodontists in dealing with wisdom teeth, when and why orthodontic treatment might involve wisdom teeth, and the differences between orthodontists and oral surgeons. Understanding these details can help you make informed decisions about your dental care and what kind of professional you need to consult for wisdom tooth issues.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Before diving into the role of orthodontists in dealing with wisdom teeth, it’s important to first understand what wisdom teeth are.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars located at the back of your mouth. They typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, around the ages of 17 to 25. For many individuals, these teeth can cause a range of issues, including crowding, infection, or impaction.
The Role of Orthodontists in Dental Care
Orthodontists are specialists who focus on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, particularly issues related to the alignment of teeth and jaws. They are experts in using braces, clear aligners, and other dental appliances to correct misaligned teeth, bite problems, and jaw discrepancies.
While orthodontists are focused primarily on teeth and alignment, their training also includes a basic understanding of overall oral health, including wisdom teeth. However, their primary role is not the extraction or direct treatment of wisdom teeth. So, do orthodontists handle wisdom teeth? The answer is nuanced, as orthodontists may play a part in the management of wisdom teeth, but they typically don’t perform the extraction procedures themselves.
Orthodontists and Wisdom Teeth: What Happens?
In some cases, orthodontists may recommend the removal of wisdom teeth, especially if they believe that these teeth will interfere with the patient’s orthodontic treatment. For example, if a patient is undergoing braces treatment and their wisdom teeth are likely to cause crowding or misalignment of the teeth, the orthodontist might suggest extracting the wisdom teeth to ensure that the braces are effective.
An orthodontist might also refer a patient to an oral surgeon if it is determined that the wisdom teeth need to be extracted.
While orthodontists can provide guidance on whether the wisdom teeth may cause issues with alignment, it is the oral surgeon who is specialized in performing these extractions.
When Do Orthodontists Get Involved with Wisdom Teeth?
Orthodontists are more likely to get involved with wisdom teeth during the planning stages of orthodontic treatment. If a patient is undergoing braces or other alignment procedures, the orthodontist will assess the patient’s entire mouth, including the position and health of wisdom teeth. If the wisdom teeth are already present and are in a position to affect the alignment of the other teeth, the orthodontist may recommend their removal.
In addition to this, orthodontists may monitor wisdom teeth throughout the course of treatment. If it’s determined that the wisdom teeth are beginning to emerge and could cause problems with existing braces or dental work, the orthodontist may recommend removal before the situation worsens. This proactive approach can help avoid potential disruptions to the treatment plan.
Why Might Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
There are several reasons why an orthodontist or oral surgeon might recommend removing wisdom teeth. These reasons include:
Impaction: Wisdom teeth can become impacted, meaning they don’t fully emerge through the gums. This can lead to infection or damage to surrounding teeth.
Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of alignment, which could undo the work an orthodontist has done or make it difficult for the patient to maintain the desired results from their orthodontic treatment.
Infection or Cavities: Since wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, they are harder to clean and more prone to cavities and gum disease.
Pain: Wisdom teeth can cause discomfort, particularly if they are partially erupted or infected.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to when wisdom teeth should be removed. For some people, wisdom teeth don’t cause any problems and may not need to be removed at all. However, in other cases, removal is necessary. If your orthodontist is concerned about your wisdom teeth affecting the progress of your braces or if they are likely to cause issues in the future, removal may be suggested. It’s important to consult with your orthodontist and your dentist to determine the best course of action based on your individual dental health.
Orthodontists vs. Oral Surgeons: Who Does What?
To fully understand the role of orthodontists in wisdom teeth care, it’s helpful to distinguish between orthodontists and oral surgeons. While orthodontists focus on teeth alignment and jaw positioning, oral surgeons specialize in the surgical aspects of oral care, including the extraction of wisdom teeth.
If your wisdom teeth are problematic, it’s likely that your orthodontist will refer you to an oral surgeon for extraction. Oral surgeons are trained to handle complex cases, such as impacted wisdom teeth or teeth that require surgical removal.
How Do Orthodontists Manage Wisdom Teeth During Treatment?
While orthodontists don’t typically perform wisdom teeth extractions, they do play a crucial role in managing wisdom teeth throughout orthodontic treatment. An orthodontist will likely evaluate your wisdom teeth before starting any treatment to ensure that they won’t disrupt the alignment of your teeth. If necessary, the orthodontist might make the decision to remove the wisdom teeth or refer you to an oral surgeon to do so.
Orthodontists also monitor the eruption of wisdom teeth throughout treatment. If any issues arise with wisdom teeth during the course of orthodontic care, such as pain or shifting teeth, the orthodontist will provide guidance on the best way to address the problem, which may involve removal.
Can Wisdom Teeth Be Left Untreated?
In some cases, wisdom teeth may not require immediate treatment. If the wisdom teeth are not causing any problems, orthodontists may decide to leave them alone, especially if they won’t interfere with the alignment of your other teeth.
However, regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure that wisdom teeth don’t develop issues over time.
Conclusion
In summary, orthodontists play an important role in assessing the condition of wisdom teeth during the course of orthodontic treatment. While they don’t typically perform extractions, orthodontists can recommend the removal of wisdom teeth if they believe it will benefit the patient’s overall dental health and treatment progress. If necessary, orthodontists will refer patients to an oral surgeon for the extraction process. Understanding the role of orthodontists in the management of wisdom teeth can help you make informed decisions about your dental care, ensuring that your teeth remain healthy and well-aligned throughout treatment.
