Dentist or Oral Surgeon for Tooth Extraction: What You Need to Know

Many patients ask the following question: Dentist or oral surgeon? Which one is the best choice? We usually tell them that it directly depends on the complexity of your case. A general dentist can remove fully erupted wisdom teeth without any problem. However, individuals with impacted wisdom teeth usually need to see an oral surgeon to ensure they get a professional wisdom tooth extraction. Otherwise, choosing the wrong provider can lead to more serious issues. In this blog, we want to take a closer look at the key differences between choosing a dentist or oral surgeon.

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Key Differences Between a Dentist and an Oral Surgeon

If you are considering getting your wisdom teeth removed and are still unsure about choosing a dentist or oral surgeon, this chart is for you. Let’s see what differences dentists and oral surgeons have:

Criteria	Dentist	Oral Surgeon
Education and Training	General dentist degree	Oral surgeons need an additional 4-6 years
Expertise	General dentists offer general dental services, like extractions	Oral surgeons specialize in more complex treatments and surgical procedures
Sedation Options	Dentists usually use local anesthesia for simple procedures	Oral surgeons apply lV sedation and general anesthesia for more complicated processes
Extraction Types	Dentists typically perform simple extractions	Oral surgeons handle high-risk cases
Cost	A general dentist’s fee is slightly lower	The oral surgeon’s fee is usually higher

Important note: When it comes to extracting your wisdom teeth through a dental surgery, both dentists and oral surgeons are qualified to perform a treatment. However, if your case is complicated or requires special tools and methods, an oral surgeon may be a better choice to extract your wisdom tooth successfully.

When to See a General Dentist for Tooth Extraction

A general dentist can be the right choice for tooth extraction for many patients. However, you should consider some factors first to ensure your decision. Let’s take a look at these factors together:

• You Have a Fully Erupted Wisdom Tooth: A general dentist can perform simple extractions perfectly. Choosing a general dentist is suitable if your wisdom tooth is above your gum line and is not impacted.
• The Extraction is Simple: If there are no symptoms of infection, gum disease, or other problems, a general dentist can handle the procedure.
• You Need A More Budget-Friendly Option: A general dentist’s fee is typically less expensive than an oral surgeon’s. If you are looking for a more affordable option, you should choose a general dentist.

Let’s read Juan’s experience.

“I visited my dentist because my lower wisdom tooth was causing discomfort. After examining the X-rays, he said the tooth was fully erupted and could be removed easily. The procedure took less than 30 minutes with just local anesthesia, and I was able to go home right after. I had mild swelling for a couple of days, but overall, the process was simple and not as scary as I thought.”

When an Oral Surgeon Is Needed for Tooth Extraction

In more severe cases, an oral surgeon might be needed to remove your wisdom tooth and prevent further complications. You should see an oral surgeon if you have the following conditions:

• Your Wisdom Tooth is Impacted: Patients with an impacted wisdom tooth often need an oral surgeon to remove their tooth.
• The Extraction is Complex: If your tooth is severely broken or damaged, you might need an oral surgeon.
• You Are More Prone to Severe Issues: If you struggle with serious oral problems, such as infection, gum disease, or bone loss, you need a more specialized approach.
• You Need Advanced Sedation: For individuals struggling with dental anxiety, an oral surgeon can apply more advanced types of sedation, like lV sedation or general anesthesia.

Here is Babak’s story

“I had been dealing with jaw pain and headaches for months before finally seeing my dentist. After an X-ray, he told me my wisdom teeth were impacted and referred me to an oral surgeon. The surgeon explained everything in detail and recommended IV sedation since the procedure would be more complicated. I don’t remember much from the surgery, but the recovery instructions helped me heal quickly. I’m glad I went with an oral surgeon for my case.”

What to Expect During the Procedure

As a dentist, I always make sure that patients understand what they are going to experience during the procedure of a simple wisdom tooth extraction or a surgical process. This awareness makes them more prepared and stress-free. Let’s check out the steps together now:

1. Initial Consultation: The process begins with a consultation visit with your dentist or oral surgeon. They thoroughly assess your dental needs and review your medical history to decide which method suits your needs best.
2. Applying Anesthesia: Based on some factors, such as the complexity of the procedure, your stress level, and medical conditions, your dentist or oral surgeon selects an anesthesia option to ensure you feel comfortable and pain-free during the treatment.
3. Extraction Procedure: For fully erupted wisdom teeth, some special tools are used to remove or loosen the tooth. The entire process is often completed in a few minutes. For impacted wisdom teeth, a surgical procedure is needed. Your oral surgeon removes some bone and breaks the impacted tooth into smaller pieces to facilitate tooth removal.
4. Post-extraction: After the extraction, the treated area must be cleaned. Stitches might be placed if required. The dentist or oral surgeon applies a gauze pad to stop the bleeding.

Here is Rosa’s experience: 

“My dentist walked me through everything, which really calmed my nerves. Once the anesthesia kicked in, I didn’t feel a thing. The extraction was fast, though they had to remove some bone for my impacted tooth. Afterward, they cleaned up, put in a few stitches, and gave me gauze. Honestly, it was way easier than I expected. I really appreciate the Eagle Family professional team!”

Do Dentists and Oral Surgeons Use Different Types of Sedation?

The answer is yes. Dentists and oral surgeons don’t always use the same type of sedation for all patients. The selected sedation type depends on several factors, including the wisdom tooth extraction’s complexity and the provider’s qualifications. Let’s see who offers what.

General Dentists

Generally, dentists typically apply local anesthesia to numb the treatment site and surrounding area. However, other types of sedation, like nitrous oxide ( which is known as laughing gas), might be used for cases of dental anxiety. Oral sedation is also common for relaxation.

Oral Surgeons

Oral surgeons are trained to apply more advanced types of sedation, such as lV sedation and general anesthesia. These sedations are proper for individuals who need to undergo more complex procedures, like impacted wisdom tooth extraction. Administrating the advanced types of sedation helps patients to feel more comfortable and stress-free during the procedure.

What to Do After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

If you are considering undergoing a wisdom tooth extraction procedure, you should be aware of aftercare tips to prevent damage and experience an effective and speedy recovery. According to Healthline, there are a few steps you can take to speed up the healing time:

• Rest Enough: Avoid intense activities for the first 24 hours
• Apply Ice Packs: You can apply an ice pack on your cheek, near the extraction site, to numb the area and reduce the pain and swelling.
• Oral Hygiene: Regular oral hygiene keeps your mouth clean and fresh. Gently brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. Be Careful not to dislodge the blood clot at the extraction site, as it could lead to bleeding.
• Consume Soft Foods: Soft foods, such as soup, mashed potatoes, and smoothies, are recommended.
• Use Painkillers: To relieve your pain, you can take painkillers and antibiotics. Don’t forget to follow your dentist’s instructions.

Juan told us about his experience of his healing process after tooth extraction:

“I had a molar extraction recently. The procedure was quick and mostly painless. I followed the aftercare instructions, rested, and used ice packs for swelling. By day three, the discomfort had eased, and I could eat soft foods. The healing went smoothly, and after a week, I felt nearly back to normal.”

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