The difference between a general dentist and an oral surgeon is the level of training and expertise they possess. Wisdom teeth, those distant molars, are a little different. They can be removed using traditional extraction if teeth are completely erupted and many dentists, including those at Southview Dentistry, can remove wisdom teeth in the office. However, wisdom teeth are often impacted, meaning that they only partially erupt or are still completely below the gumline when they hit the adjacent tooth, creating a dental jam.
Impacted wisdom teeth should be surgically removed. Always visit your dentist first for an evaluation, but be prepared to get a referral to an oral surgeon if a wisdom tooth is impacted. Dentists and oral surgeons can both perform tooth extractions, but dentists are not qualified to extract teeth in all kinds of circumstances. To understand when it is best to choose a dentist or an oral surgeon for the extraction of your teeth, it is important to understand the differences between them.
Your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon if they believe that your wisdom tooth is impacted. An oral surgeon will have the space and equipment necessary to properly perform a wisdom tooth extraction. Most general dentists are qualified to extract teeth, and many perform simple extractions. However, when it comes to removing wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, most dentists refer their patients to an oral surgeon.
Both oral surgeons and dentists attend the same four years of dental school, earning the title of Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry. However, oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive specialized training in an additional four-year surgical hospital residency program along with medical professionals. This specialized training allows them to learn to diagnose, treat, and manage dental and health problems related to the mouth, face, jaws, and surrounding soft tissue. It is important to recognize that while both providers may be “qualified to treat a problem”, oral surgeons have much more experience and training in complex treatment protocols than dentists.
You should visit a dentist regularly to identify where your wisdom teeth are located and if they may cause any problems in the future. If your dentist believes that your wisdom tooth is impacted or if you are experiencing pain from wisdom teeth, you may be referred to an oral surgeon who will perform the procedure in your office. It will only take a few days for you to heal and return to normal. Knowing who can perform the extraction can be beneficial for a person experiencing pain from wisdom teeth or for someone who needs to find the right specialist to have them removed. Dental specialists disagree on the value of removing impacted wisdom teeth that don't cause problems (asymptomatic).
Southview Dentistry is experienced, modern and offers the most current dental procedures. A dentist could remove a tooth, but an oral surgeon could open gum tissue to remove an impacted tooth or place a dental implant to replace a missing tooth. It's important to see a dentist regularly so they can take x-rays of your mouth and identify when and where your wisdom teeth are located. Wisdom teeth are often removed because they can cause many dental problems, including cysts, abscesses, and infections. In conclusion, it is important to understand the differences between dentists and oral surgeons when it comes to extracting wisdom teeth. Your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon if they believe that your wisdom tooth is impacted or if you are experiencing pain from wisdom teeth.
An oral surgeon will have the space and equipment necessary to properly perform a wisdom tooth extraction.
