“Why do I need to go to an oral surgeon for my tooth extraction?”
I have to get my wisdom teeth removed and my dentist said that he's going to refer me to an oral surgeon to remove them asap. Does a wisdom tooth extraction really require surgery?
11 Answers
It depends on the degree of impaction, your age, and position of the tooth. Oral surgeons are the experts in this, and your dentist is doing you a favor. The procedure will likely be MUCH simpler for YOU and therefore lead to a faster, easier recovery. Something that might take the dentist 2-3 hours of struggling, multiple re-injections of local anesthetic, and extreme pressure on your jaw might take an experienced surgeon 15 minutes!
A variety of dental service providers may remove wisdom teeth, however, only Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons have the requisite training and skills to best manage a wide variety of conditions related to the wisdom teeth.
It is strictly a matter of comfort and certainty that your pain will be managed much more efficiently a surgeon especially where complications may come into play. Your dentist will recommend a surgeon so you don't have to be uncertain about whether or not their expertise is required
Wisdom teeth can be impacted in a variety of different ways. Some are more difficult to remove than others. An oral surgeon has the most experience at removing these difficult teeth. A general dentist is capable of removing the tooth, but he will take more time and your recovery will be more painful.
As Dentists, we have the ability and training to complete any dental procedures that we feel comfortable treating. We also should have the ability, training and good sense to know when NOT to do some dental procedures. If your dentist is referring you to a specialist it is generally in your best interests as that particular dentist feels you will be better treated or have a better, more comfortable treatment outcome if you see someone with more training, experience or enjoyment doing that or those procedures. Be thankful your dentist cares to have you receive the best treatment!
EJC
EJC
If your general dentist will not be able to remove the wisdom tooth because he/she is not trained or within their skill sets, they will refer you to an oral surgeon and they will extract/remove the teeth. There are many general dentists who can remove your wisdom tooth for lesser price than a specialist fees and they will be doing a good job too. But there are some wisdom tooth that is best handled by a specialist because they are more trained to handle some complications and more covered on their liability insurance if some complication were to happen. On a broader note, with less training given to general dentists in schools on the field of oral surgery, the trend is shifting more towards almost every patient in the future will be getting referred to an oral surgeon. And the wisdom tooth could be surgical extraction or a partial bony or completely bony extractions/impactions. Based on the level, severity of position of wisdom teeth in the bone, the price differs.
Hi, Oral surgeons receive extensive training in this area. In most cases, third molars are usually close to vital structures which will require treatment by a specialist and if complications arise we are able to treat them. We are also trained in administering IV anesthesia which will help in managing the anxiety often associated with this procedure.
All extractions whether by an Oral Surgeon or your General Dentist are referred to as surgery. An Oral Surgeon is a dentist that has spent 4-6 years in specialty training to remove teeth quickly and with as little trauma as possible with the use of I.V. anesthetics and I.V. antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications to make the surgical removal of the teeth as pleasant a possible for the patient. Oral Surgeons have removed thousands of erupted and impacted teeth and remove them very efficiently, and quickly which can reduce possible complications such as infections and dry sockets.
Yes, and by a properly trained Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon.
William C. Storoe IV, DDS
William C. Storoe IV, DDS
If the general practitioner does not feel comfortable extracting a 3rd molar i.e. wisdom tooth then they send you to an oral surgeon.
Any invasive procedure that exposes soft tissue and bone is surgery. The simplest tooth extraction is considered a surgical intervention.
