Tooth Extraction: Do I need a Dentist or Oral Surgeon? – 10 Tips

Tooth extraction is usually done as the last resort when there is no treatment that can save the Tooth. Going by the name, tooth extraction actually seems like a straightforward procedure that can be performed by anyone. For this reason, many people who need to have their teeth removed are always faced with the choice of whether to get their teeth extracted by a dentist or an Oral Surgeon. The fact is that you need to get the extraction done by a professional who knows how to handle the extraction effectively. These tips by Vita Dental shed more light on who you need to perform your tooth extraction procedure.

Oral surgeons are more specialized to perform tooth extraction procedures

Oral surgeons are the most suitable persons to perform tooth extractions given the fact that they have specialized in performing such Oral treatment procedures. Unlike a regular dentist who performs a wide range of dental procedures on patients, an oral surgeon’s main area of specialization is actually performing teeth extraction.

This, however, does not mean that a dentist cannot perform a tooth extraction procedure effectively.

Oral surgeons are better trained to perform tooth extraction

Another reason why you should consider an oral surgeon over a dentist is because oral surgeons are better trained to perform diagnosis and identify the root of the problem better than dentists. While dentist have the ability to perform diagnosis for a fair share of infections, the fact is that oral surgeons have an upper hand which makes them a more ideal option.

A dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon in case of a mishap

Mishaps can happen at any time when a procedure such as tooth extraction is being performed. In the event that a mishap happens when the procedure is being performed by a dentist, the dentist will have to refer you to an oral surgeon to correct the situation. This means more hustle for you and even exposure to infections.

You can get anesthesia with an oral surgeon

Oral surgeons have been trained and are licensed to administer general anesthesia and IV sedation. Also, oral surgeons have Basic Life Support together with Advanced Cardiac Life Certifications. These are some of the major things that they are able to perform that you may not get from a regular dentist.

Oral surgeons have more advanced tools to deal with the unexpected

While you can find a dentist who is fully equipped with all the necessary tools to effectively handle the extraction of a tooth even when a complication arises, with an oral surgeon you can be sure that they will always have everything they need to handle all manner of scenarios that might occur. As such, you should opt to get your tooth extraction procedure performed by an oral surgeon just to be on the safe side.

You can get your tooth extracted by a dentist if it is not fractured

If the tooth that needs extraction is not fractured or it has not cracked, then you can always trust your dentist to perform the extraction. Most dentists too have the necessary skills to perform a simple extraction procedure effectively. However, you need to be keen to employ the services of a trusted dentist who you are sure will treat you with the highest level of professionalism.

You need an oral surgeon if the target tooth is fractured

To add on to the previous point, you need to see an oral surgeon for your tooth extraction procedure if the tooth to be extracted has cracked or has a fracture. A fractured tooth needs to be extracted in a careful manner to prevent any complication and an oral surgeon is best suited to handle the extraction. As stated earlier, an oral surgeon has all the necessary tool and expertise to handle such complicated procedures.

Special extractions are to be handled by oral surgeons

When your extraction is complicated, you may have to visit an oral surgeon and not a dentist. Complicated tooth extractions include cases where one has multiple curved or entangled roots, an impacted tooth, bone or tooth infection and, also, those who have sinuses that are overly large. A regular dentist may not be able to handle such complicated extractions effectively.

Start with your dentist first

The first step of any treatment is examination and a dentist is the person who is better suited to handle the examination of your tooth and to know whether your tooth can actually be saved. The dentist is the one to decide whether or not you can proceed to schedule a tooth extraction appointment with them or with an oral surgeon.

You will need to see an oral surgeon if your dentist recommends that you do so

If you have visited your dentist and they have suggested that you need to see an oral surgeon for your tooth extraction, then you actually have to see an oral surgeon. This recommendation is usually made in the event that one of the complications or reasons to see an oral surgeon mentioned in this post has arisen.