Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 4 minutes
In many orthodontic cases, achieving optimal results requires more than tooth movement alone. When anatomical barriers are present—such as impacted teeth, retained primary teeth, or dense bone—your orthodontist may recommend surgical intervention as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.At Legacy Surgery, we work closely with referring orthodontists to provide the surgical procedures necessary to support orthodontic care. This coordinated approach, known as surgically assisted orthodontics, allows patients to progress safely and efficiently toward a stable, well-aligned bite.
Table of Contents
What Is Surgically Assisted Orthodontics?
Surgically assisted orthodontics refers to minor oral surgery procedures that help orthodontists move the teeth more efficiently and safely. These procedures are not full jaw surgeries, they are focused, in-office treatments that remove obstacles and improve results.
We coordinate closely with your orthodontist to time each step correctly and keep your treatment on track.
Why Would an Orthodontist Refer You to an Oral Surgeon?
Your orthodontist may refer you to Legacy Surgery if you need:
- A permanent tooth uncovered so it can be moved into place
- Baby teeth removed to allow natural eruption
- Premolars extracted to make room in a crowded arch
- An impacted tooth removed before it affects surrounding teeth
- A frenum (lip or tongue attachment) revised to eliminate spacing or tension
These small but important steps help ensure your braces or aligners can do their job effectively.
Procedures Legacy Surgery Offers to Support Orthodontic Treatment
Here are the most common procedures we perform as part of surgically assisted orthodontic care.
Impacted Tooth Exposure & Extraction
When a permanent tooth fails to erupt on its own, surgical intervention may be necessary. In many cases, we can expose the impacted tooth and, in coordination with your orthodontist, place an attachment such as a bracket or chain to help guide it into position.
However, if the tooth is severely impacted, non-restorable, or poses a risk to adjacent teeth, extraction may be the more appropriate option. Your orthodontist and our surgical team will work together to determine the best course of action based on your individual case.
Premolar Extractions
To relieve crowding, your orthodontist may recommend removing one or more premolars. These extractions are timed carefully to support proper movement and alignment.
Extraction of Baby Teeth (Guided Eruption)
Baby teeth that remain in place too long can block the eruption of adult teeth. We perform tooth extractions to support proper timing and positioning of permanent teeth—a process known as guided eruption.
Frenectomy
A tight or oversized frenum (the band of tissue connecting the lips or tongue to the gums) can interfere with tooth positioning or cause spacing between the front teeth. A frenectomy removes or loosens this tissue to support healthy alignment.
Why This Collaborative Approach Matters
By working together, orthodontists and oral surgeons can:
- Prevent delays in treatment
- Reduce the risk of complications
- Shorten overall treatment time
- Improve the health and function of your bite
- Support long-term orthodontic stability
If your orthodontist has referred you for surgery, it is because they want your treatment to be as successful as possible.
Why Orthodontists Choose Legacy Surgery
Orthodontists throughout Staunton, Harrisonburg, and the surrounding communities trust Legacy Surgery to support their treatment plans with precision, professionalism, and clear communication.
When patients are referred to our office, we:
- Coordinate directly with the orthodontist to align surgical timing with treatment goals
- Use advanced imaging and diagnostics to guide care
- Offer sedation options to support patient comfort
- Provide timely updates and post-operative follow-through
- Prioritize safety, efficiency, and individualized care
Whether assisting with exposure of impacted teeth, extractions, or guided eruption, our team is committed to being a reliable extension of the patient’s orthodontic care.
Schedule a Consultation With Legacy Surgery
Legacy Surgery is proud to support patients throughout Staunton, Harrisonburg, and nearby communities with expert surgical care that complements orthodontic treatment.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Staunton, call (540) 213-8750 or visit us at 110-C Mactanly Pl., Staunton, VA 24401.
📍Other location
Legacy Surgery Harrisonburg, VA
(540) 437-1230
2071 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA.
FAQs
Do you serve patients outside of Staunton and Harrisonburg?
In addition to our Staunton and Harrisonburg locations, Legacy Surgery welcomes patients from surrounding communities across the Shenandoah Valley and beyond, including Elkton and Fishersville, VA as well as Franklin, Waynesborough, Charlottesville, Timberville and Broadway, WV.
Why did my orthodontist refer me to an oral surgeon?
In some cases, orthodontic treatment requires surgical support to remove barriers to tooth movement. Your orthodontist may refer you for procedures such as impacted tooth exposure, selective extractions, or a frenectomy to ensure your treatment progresses safely and effectively.
Are these procedures considered major surgery?
Surgically assisted orthodontic procedures are minimally invasive and typically performed in-office using local anesthesia with the option of light sedation. Most patients recover quickly and return to normal activity within a few days.
Will my orthodontist still manage my treatment?
Your orthodontist remains your primary provider throughout treatment. We perform the surgical portion of your care and stay in close communication with your orthodontist to ensure a seamless experience.