Why Choose an Oral Surgeon?
Expert Care
Contacting an oral surgeon for tooth extraction isn’t the first thing most people think to do unless they’ve been referred to one by their dentist. But sometimes an oral surgeon is the best option as they extract teeth as a routine part of their practice. In fact, they perform literally thousands of extractions just during their residency. The special expertise that the oral surgeon brings to the situation can sometimes mean the difference between an infection after extraction or not, a completed extraction or a partial extraction.
An Oral Surgeon is Better Suited to Handle Complications
Even the most “routine” of tooth extractions can quickly become complicated. Teeth break off or fracture in the middle of removal – bone or tissue may require removal, or sinus cavities can be exposed.
Unfortunately, these complications often aren’t identifiable until the extraction has begun. An oral surgeon will have the skills and tools available to address the complication right away. Your regular dentist may not.
When to Choose an Oral Surgeon for Tooth Extraction vs. Your Dentist
If your dentist performs extractions routinely and the extraction is fairly simply, it is probably okay to let him or her perform the extraction. However, you should contact an oral surgeon for tooth extraction in the following situations:
- Complicated Extractions. Complicated extractions necessitate a visit to the oral surgeon. Entangled or multiple curved roots, impacted teeth, overly large sinuses, teeth or bone infections, can all be considered complex extractions.
- If You Need Anesthesia. If you don’t want to be awake for your extraction, contact an oral surgeon. They are trained and licensed in IV Sedation and General Anesthesia and are certified in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Dentists do not necessarily have these same qualifications and will extract teeth only under local anesthesia – the same anesthesia you’d receive when having a cavity filled.
- Cracked or Fractured Teeth. If the tooth is already fractured, it’s very likely to fracture further during extraction. An oral surgeon is better prepared to deal with these types of eventualities than a dentist.
Tooth removal is never pleasant, but in the right hands it can be safer and less complicated. If you are ever in doubt about whether to choose a dentist or an oral surgeon for tooth extraction, contact Fort Bend Oral Surgeons for an evaluation today.
For more information, please visit this trusted site: www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-oral-surgery-1059375.