Going to the dentist isn’t anyone’s idea of a fun day out. And for teeth extractions, even less so. Even if your reason for needing a tooth extraction is minor, you must understand the differences between dentists and oral surgeons. Seek a professional who can give you precisely the type of care you need without unnecessary complications or excessive expenses.
We can help if you’re looking for a tooth extraction specialist in Culver City. We proudly offer local and distant dental care for tooth extraction needs like yours. When you call our helpline, you’ll connect with our team of knowledgeable oral surgeons who are ready to provide your tooth extraction services. Read on to learn if you need a dentist or oral surgeon for tooth extraction.
What Is the Difference Between Surgical and Simple Extraction?
A simple extraction is when the dentist will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic during surgery before making a small cut into the gum tissue around your tooth. It allows them access to the root of your tooth to obliterate it from its socket with forceps without damaging any surrounding tissue or nerves.
A surgical extraction involves complicated procedures of removing teeth from hard-to-reach areas. There’s less room for error due to inflammation or infection risks increasing without proper care. After the surgical extraction, you’ll be stitched.
Oral Surgeons or Dentists?
If you’ve ever had a tooth extraction, it’s not a pleasant experience. But who should perform your tooth extraction?
The answer is both—and neither. The two types of professionals have different specialties, but they can perform the same procedures. If you’re confused about which one to see, here are some guidelines for deciding which type of professional to choose for your extraction:
Dentists do more routine dental work like fillings, dental crowns, fixing braces, and implants. Dentists may also extract teeth during regular visits to their offices.
Oral surgeons are trained surgeons who specialize in surgery on the mouth, jaws, teeth, and gums. While oral surgeons may sometimes clean teeth or perform simple fillings, they are more likely to take out impacted wisdom teeth or perform repairs on broken jawbones caused by trauma or infection. An oral surgeon may also extract teeth during regular visits to his office.
Why Get Referred to an Oral Surgeon?
Oral surgeons have more experience with these types of extractions. An impacted tooth is often complicated to remove because the root may be curved, or there could be bone tissue surrounding it. It’s also essential for your oral health that impacted teeth are removed since they can push on other teeth or cause pain when chewing.
You should see an oral surgeon for tooth extraction because they have many years of training and education in dentistry, which gives them a better understanding of how the jaw works than general dentists who aren’t trained in surgery. Because their skills are explicitly focused on surgeries related to the mouth and face, their surgical equipment is also specially designed for dental-related procedures. Their experience allows them to work more quickly and smoothly than a dentist just starting or who doesn’t specialize in operating on patients’ mouths.
Here are some common reasons for referral to an oral surgeon:
- If the tooth is impacted (there’s no room for it to erupt), into the mouth because they are blocked by other teeth or tissue. Impacted teeth can lead to a variety of complications.
- If the tooth is in a very hard-to-reach place, such as under the tongue or behind the wisdom teeth, your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon.
- Suppose there are complicated teeth procedures like the tooth consisting of cracked roots or complex ones.
- Fractured teeth can be painful and uncomfortable, but they can also affect your ability to chew and speak properly. A fractured tooth can also get infected if not treated right away, so it’s important to see an oral surgeon after the injury occurs.
- Facial structure, sometimes the position of your teeth, makes it difficult for the dentist to extract minus discomfort. Limited jaw mobility will need better expertise and knowledge, which an oral surgeon has.
While a dentist will be able to help with extraction, oral surgeons are more trained in the procedure. They have been working with the back of the mouth for years and have the surgical skills required. If you feel anxious about getting your tooth extracted, go to an oral surgeon; they can make the entire process painless and smooth.
