One of the stereotypes of the dentist, especially in cartoons, is that they are known for pulling out teeth. In fact, one can argue that this stereotype (along with constant drilling for cavities) can be the root of the fear of the dentist that many children (and some adults) have. While dentists perform a wide amount of oral care and will pull teeth when needed, the procedure of tooth extraction is best left for oral surgeons for a variety of reasons. Many dentists will refer extractions to oral surgeons, but surgeons should be considered in all cases – and here’s why.
Oral Surgeons Perform FAR More Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Dentists cover a wide variety of procedures and care information during their education, while oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete a 4-6 year surgical residency focused on advanced treatment. These dental specialists focus on oral surgery and maxillofacial surgery involving the mouth and jaw. They also handle more complex cases, including infections and jaw alignment surgery, as part of their oral and maxillofacial training. While there are obviously far more procedures than just extractions, this specialization means that maxillofacial surgeons will perform hundreds, if not thousands, of extractions during their residency, which is far more than a dentist. They often collaborate with other dental specialists to treat patients with complex needs or medical conditions. This gives an oral surgeon loads of hands-on, practical experience to make the procedure an exceptionally successful one.
If You Want Sedation for Oral Surgery, Go with a Surgeon
Even routine surgical procedures can cause anxiety in patients, and many people prefer an oral surgeon for a surgical tooth extraction because patient comfort matters during a more involved surgical extraction. Most general dentists don’t have the ability or certification to use full anesthesia for complex tooth removal, while oral surgeons are trained in all methods of dental anesthesia and are licensed to use it when needed for safe removal. Oral surgeons commonly perform complex tooth extractions under sedation as part of the extraction procedure, using options such as local anesthesia, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. When administered properly, comfortable anesthesia should prevent sharp pain during the extraction. While this doesn’t change the actual outcome, it can make you feel a whole lot better going in for an extraction and support patient comfort. Many oral surgeons require a consultation before extraction to determine the right sedation approach and create a personalized treatment plan, with a clear explanation of the procedure and recovery process.
Prepared for All Surgical Extraction Circumstances
Even practiced dentists and oral surgeons can’t perfectly predict how an extraction will go, and while a simple extraction does not require incisions, a surgical extraction can become necessary. Sometimes, an extraction that seems routine can shift into a surgical tooth extraction when the gums or gum tissue must be opened and, in some cases, access through bone is needed, which also means careful attention to controlling bleeding after a tooth is pulled during recovery by protecting the clot in the tooth socket and extraction site, supporting blood flow control, and avoiding spitting so it is not dislodged. Cold compresses can reduce swelling, and soft foods are recommended for several days while the extraction area heals. Wisdom teeth removal is among the most common reasons for this kind of care, since impacted teeth may not have enough room in the jaw, and many patients benefit from specialized wisdom teeth removal in St. George, UT. Smoking can slow the healing process and raise the risk of dry socket. An oral surgeon has the know-how and all the facilities, in an accessible location with convenient hours, to handle these unforeseen issues quickly and successfully. Even more, if an extraction has common reasons for concern going into the procedure, such as multiple curved roots or a decayed, broken, severely damaged, or severely broken tooth, an oral surgeon will absolutely be the best option to get a positive result.
If you are in need of an extraction, it is always worth considering and selecting an oral surgeon to perform the procedure, whether or not your dentist actually refers you to one or not. It is hard to match the expertise and experience of a good oral surgeon when it comes to tooth extraction. Follow-up is often scheduled about one week later, and many patients can resume normal activities within 1–2 weeks with proper healing and any prescribed pain medication. An oral surgeon can also help preserve natural teeth when possible and advise whether a bone graft or dental implants should be discussed after removal to support oral health, maintain a healthy smile, and help limit bone loss.
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