Oral surgeon vs dentist for extractions

If you need a , you probably wonder if your regular dentist can perform the extraction or if the procedure will need to be done by an oral surgeon. The answer to this question depends on several factors and should be determined on a case-by-case basis. Read on to understand the different factors that go into you and your dentist or oral surgeon deciding who will perform your tooth extraction.

Simple extraction vs. surgical extraction 

The first factor in play is whether the extraction will be a simple extraction or a surgical extraction. A simple extraction is removing a tooth that is fully erupted, meaning that it is fully above the gum line and is visible in your mouth. A surgical extraction is necessary when a tooth has not erupted and is hidden below the gum line in the jawbone or has only partially erupted. This situation is common with wisdom teeth, which are the last set of molars that come in. A general dentist can perform a simple tooth extraction using forceps. For a surgical extraction, however, only an oral surgeon is qualified to perform the extraction procedure.

General dentist vs. an oral surgeon 

It should be noted that a general dentist can perform simple tooth extractions. Many people rely on their general dentist to perform this routine procedure, and it is easily accomplished in-office. However, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon in some instances. If you have limited jaw mobility, large sinuses, or your teeth are positioned in a way that prevents a general dentist from being able to perform the tooth extraction; then an oral surgeon will need to do the procedure. 

Another reason you would need an oral surgeon for your tooth extraction is if the tooth or teeth you are having removed are cracked or broken. Removal of cracked or broken teeth is more complicated than extracting an intact tooth and requires oral anesthesia. Oral surgeons are can also help patients with dental anxiety because oral surgeons are qualified to administer a variety of different types of anesthesia. 

When simple tooth extractions aren’t simple 

Simple tooth extractions are not always so simple. If, for some reason, you are at risk for complications from simple tooth extraction, your general dentist will guide what you should do next. Some of the complications patients may experience during a simple tooth extraction include cracks or complex tooth root systems. 

It’s important to note that every patient is different. The requirements for your procedure will depend on many factors, such as your current tooth health, location of the extraction, and your risk of developing complications. Your dentist can provide more information about whether he or she can perform the extraction in their office. 

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Many of the procedures performed by an oral surgeon are also offered at a local general dentist’s office. This leaves many patients wondering which type of provider they should choose for their oral health treatment needs. It is important to recognize, however, that while both providers may be “qualified” to treat a problem, oral surgeons have far more expertise and training in complex treatment protocols than dentists do.

Did you know…

Did you know that there are far fewer oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the U.S. than general dentists? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 146,000 dentists practicing in 2012. Comparatively, there were only 5,120 oral and maxillofacial surgeons as of May 2014.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference in training and education between oral surgeons and dentists?

Both oral surgeons and dentists attend the same four years of dental school, achieving either a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry. However, oral and maxillofacial surgeons go through specialty training in an addition four-year surgical hospital residency program alongside medical professionals. They learn to diagnose, treat and manage dental and health issues pertaining to the mouth, face, jaws, and surrounding soft tissues.

My dentist takes out wisdom teeth. Why should I choose an oral surgeon instead?

While dentists can remove wisdom teeth, most of these procedures are not simple extractions. In fact, the majority of patients have impacted wisdom teeth or other issues that make the procedure far more complex. Oral surgeons are trained specifically in the treatment of complicated extractions and remove thousands of wisdom teeth during their residencies and every year thereafter.

How do oral surgeons provide better pain management options?

Oral surgeons are thoroughly trained in both IV sedation and general anesthesia. It is a primary component of their surgical training and allows greater pain management options for complex procedures in their practice. Most general dentists, on the other hand, use only local anesthesia to perform extractions and do not provide IV sedation. Of the few who do offer IV sedation, most have only completed a brief weekend course to learn how to do so.

What type of dentist is best for extractions?

An oral surgeon is particularly well-suited for tooth extraction procedures because they specialize in invasive procedures. A person's general dentist will sometimes refer them to an oral surgeon. The oral surgeon would have the resources and equipment needed to complete tooth extraction.

Should a dentist or an oral surgeon pull a tooth?

If you have cracked or fractured teeth, you will need an oral surgeon. Men and women who need their cracked or fractured teeth removed will require an oral surgeon, as the procedure is more intense and requires the use of oral anesthesia. If you have dental anxiety, you will need the help of an oral surgeon.

Can a normal dentist do a surgical extraction?

While oral surgeons often perform surgical procedures on patients to improve their overall oral health, general dentists can also perform surgery on their patients. This is convenient for patients who would rather have their primary dentist perform any necessary oral surgeries.

What is the difference between extraction and oral surgery?

Simple extraction and surgical extraction are the two main types of tooth extraction. A simple dental extraction is the procedure of removing teeth that are visible and easily accessible. In contrast, surgical dental extraction often involves an incision to get access to the tooth to be removed.