Welcome, curious readers! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either preparing for the removal of your wisdom teeth or just looking to expand your knowledge about dental care. Either way, you’re in the right place!
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are notorious for causing discomfort and pain for many people. As they grow, they can cause overcrowding, infection, and even damage to neighboring teeth. That’s why it’s often recommended to have them removed by a specialist, an oral surgeon, or a dentist with advanced training in oral surgery.
But what exactly does this procedure involve, and how do you know which type of dentist to turn to? Are you wondering about the difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon? In this blog, we’ll dive into wisdom teeth removal and explore the different types of dentists who can perform this procedure. We’ll also provide helpful tips on preparing for the surgery and what to expect during and after the procedure.
So, grab a cup of tea or your favorite beverage and get ready to learn all about wisdom teeth removal. By the end of this blog, you’ll be armed with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your dental health. Let’s get started!
What Type of Dentist Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Can a dentist remove wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth are the last molars to emerge in the back of the mouth, typically during early adulthood. However, many people don’t have enough space in their mouths to accommodate these new teeth, which can lead to various dental issues. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure involving extracting these problematic teeth to prevent further complications.
Several factors must be considered when finding the right dentist for wisdom teeth removal. The most common types of dentists who remove wisdom teeth are oral surgeons, periodontists, and general dentists with advanced training in oral surgery. You may even ask yourself, can an endodontist pull a tooth? However, it’s important to note that not all dentists are trained to perform this type of surgery, and some may refer you to a specialist.
Who Should Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?
Oral surgeons are dentists who have completed additional surgical training and are experts in diagnosing and treating complex oral conditions. They are often the go-to choice for wisdom teeth removal, especially for more complicated cases. You can learn more about this profession from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
On the other hand, periodontists specialize in treating gum disease and are trained to perform surgical procedures involving the gums and jawbone. You can find more information about them at the American Academy of Periodontology. In some cases, a general dentist with advanced training in oral surgery may also be able to perform wisdom teeth extractions, but this depends on their level of experience and expertise.
When selecting a dentist for wisdom teeth removal, it’s important to consider their level of experience, training, and overall approach to patient care. It’s also helpful to ask questions about the procedure, such as what type of anesthesia will be used and what post-operative care will be required. Choosing a qualified and compassionate dentist ensures a smooth and successful wisdom teeth removal experience.
What Happens After Your Wisdom Teeth Are Removed?
After wisdom teeth removal, it is normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bleeding. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide instructions on managing these symptoms and care for your mouth as it heals. Common things that can happen after wisdom teeth removal include pain and swelling, bleeding, limited jaw movement, soft food diet, oral hygiene, and follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. The recovery process can take several days to a week, depending on the complexity of the surgery and your individual healing process.
Do They Break Your Jaw to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Cleaning wisdom teeth typically involves making an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth and using dental instruments to loosen and extract it carefully. If the teeth are impacted, the dentist or oral surgeon may need to remove a small amount of bone surrounding the tooth to access and remove it, but this does not involve breaking the jaw. Sometimes, the jaw may be too small to accommodate the wisdom teeth, but this is a routine part of the procedure. Overall, wisdom teeth extraction can be complex, but it does not require breaking the jaw and any associated risks or complications.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Removing Wisdom Teeth
Advantages of Removing Wisdom Teeth:
- Prevent overcrowding: Wisdom teeth can push against other teeth, causing them to shift and crowd together. Removing wisdom teeth can prevent this from happening, which can help maintain proper teeth alignment.
- Reduce the risk of infections: Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean properly, increasing the risk of infections such as gum disease and tooth decay. Removing wisdom teeth can help reduce this risk.
- Prevent future problems: Even if wisdom teeth are not causing problems now, they can still cause issues later in life. Removing wisdom teeth before they become problematic can prevent the need for more complicated and expensive procedures later.
- Relieve pain: If wisdom teeth are causing pain or discomfort, removing them can help alleviate the symptoms.
Disadvantages of Removing Wisdom Teeth:
- Risk of complications: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. These risks can be minimized by choosing a qualified and experienced dentist or oral surgeon.
- Recovery time: Recovery from wisdom teeth removal can take several days to a week, during which time you may experience discomfort, swelling, and limited jaw movement.
- Cost: Wisdom teeth removal can be expensive, especially if you require sedation or general anesthesia.
- Anesthesia risks: There are risks associated with anesthesia, such as allergic reactions, nausea, and vomiting. These risks can be minimized by following your dentist or oral surgeon’s instructions and providing them with a complete medical history.
The decision to remove wisdom teeth should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual’s dental history, symptoms, and risk factors. Your dentist or oral surgeon can help you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of wisdom teeth removal and determine the best course of action for your specific needs.
Dentist vs. Oral Surgeon Wisdom Teeth Removal
Dentists and oral surgeons can remove wisdom teeth, but the two differ. Dentists are trained to perform general dental procedures, while oral surgeons are specialists who have undergone additional training to perform more complex surgical procedures. If your wisdom teeth are not impacted or are relatively easy to remove, a dentist can perform the extraction in their office. However, an oral surgeon may be recommended if they are impacted or cause more significant problems. Your dentist or oral surgeon can help you determine the best action based on your needs and circumstances.
Differences between General Dentist Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon Periodontist
General Dentist:
A general dentist is a primary care provider for all dental needs, including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental care. They can diagnose and treat dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. A general dentist may have training in simple extractions of wisdom teeth, but they typically refer more complex cases to oral or maxillofacial surgeons.
Oral or Maxillofacial Surgeon:
An oral or maxillofacial surgeon is a dental specialist who has completed extensive surgical training to treat complex conditions that affect the mouth, jaw, and face. They are the go-to choice for complex wisdom teeth extractions, dental implants, and corrective jaw surgeries. They can also diagnose and treat oral cancer and facial trauma. They work closely with general dentists and other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care.
Periodontist:
A periodontist is a dental specialist specializing in preventing, diagnosing, and treating gum disease and other conditions affecting the tissues and bones that support the teeth. They perform surgical procedures such as gum grafts, bone grafts, and dental implants to restore damaged or missing teeth. Periodontists also treat periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition that can lead to tooth loss and other systemic health problems. They work closely with general dentists and other dental specialists to provide comprehensive periodontal care.
A general dentist is a primary care provider for all dental needs, while oral and maxillofacial surgeons and periodontists are specialists who focus on complex surgical and periodontal procedures. The choice of which type of dentist to see for wisdom teeth removal depends on the complexity of the case and the dentist’s level of training and expertise. A consultation with your dentist or a specialist can help determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
About Us:
As experts in Dental Contract Review, we proudly serve dental professionals. We understand healthcare’s intricacies and offer comprehensive contract reviews to ensure clarity, fairness, and career benefit. To learn more or schedule a review, contact us today.
