Wisdom Teeth Extraction

When you need your wisdom teeth removed, the best option is always an oral surgeon

So you’ve been told you got an impacted wisdom tooth. What should you do?

Like most people, you may instantly turn to searching the Internet. You may find yourself typing in such phrases as “How wisdom teeth are removed” or “Reasons wisdom teeth get removed.”

After learning what you can from your online searches, you realize it’s time to start planning, and set aside a few days on the calendar for the procedure. But there is one question that often goes unasked because people don’t think to ask it; you don’t even realize it may be the most important question of all:

Who should you get to perform the wisdom teeth extraction procedure?

If you want the technical answer, you can use either an oral surgeon or some general dentists. General dentists are able to perform wisdom tooth extractions with proper training, but only oral surgeons are trained and qualified experts on the procedure. After having completed years of training, followed by a residency, oral surgeons learn all there is to know about wisdom teeth removal.

When you compare dentists and oral surgeons, there is no such training in dental school, and very few places at all where this specific, extensive training can be found.

Then there’s the administering of anesthesia. Most people would prefer to have their wisdom tooth extraction under generalIV anesthesia because it is much more comfortable for patients, rather than just local anesthesia. And administering IV anesthesia is something oral surgeons, not dentists, are thoroughly trained to do.

It is unfortunate that a few dentists have been disregarding this required training and been administering IV anesthesia themselves. This disregard has occasionally led to awful, even devastating, consequences. While anesthesia is perfectly safe when it is administered by a properly trained professional, such as an oral surgeon, it can be deadly if it’s not performed in the right way.

If you have been told you have an impacted wisdom tooth, this diagnosis should always be dealt with as soon as you possibly can, as it can lead to serious complications. But how it is dealt with, and by whom, makes a huge difference. Any dentist will be able to refer you to an oral surgeon – someone fully qualified to remove your wisdom tooth or teeth while making sure the extraction process is quick, painless and entirely safe.

I am available to assist you if you have any more questions, or would like to schedule a consultation, please feel free to call (704) 542-9600. We would be happy to meet with you, answer your questions and discuss all of your treatment options in detail.

While the internet is a great source for research, it is easy to fall prey to sites providing false information about wisdom tooth extraction. But don’t worry; you are not alone! We want to help you find the correct information you need to understand your upcoming procedure and be able to recognize whether the information is fact or if it is myth. Since we have extensive experience with removing wisdom teeth, we know most common myths surrounding wisdom teeth removal.

Fact or Fiction?

1. An oral surgeon doesn’t need to perform my procedure.

It is not uncommon for general dentists to advertise their competency in wisdom teeth removal procedures; however, most patients do not realize that not every dental professional is qualified to perform the procedure. When you are looking at who should perform your procedure, you should know that an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is required to spend at least 4 years training in a hands-on, hospital-based residency program in addition to earning their dental degree. On top of that extensive training, oral surgeons also train alongside medical anesthesiologists to safely administer anesthesia. Some dentists and dental professionals advertise their ability to perform wisdom teeth procedures, but oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the most qualified to safely perform wisdom teeth extractions.

2. If I can’t feel my wisdom teeth, then they must not pose a problem to my oral health.

This is fiction! While there are still some people who do not need their wisdom teeth removed, this decision is made based on your personal health and needs along with your general dentist and oral surgeon. Many people do not feel their wisdom teeth, but that doesn’t mean that they are not there or do not pose any risk. If they are positioned under your gums in a way that will damage or misalign your teeth or if they are at risk for infection, they will be recommended for removal, even if you are asymptomatic. Wisdom teeth often come in between the ages of 17-25, so we encourage you to seek regular professional advice from your dentist.

3. I can only eat soft foods immediately following my wisdom teeth extraction.

Fact! Immediately following your wisdom teeth surgery, you will be numb from the local anesthetic. As the numbness wears off gradually, you will start feeling some tenderness. This can be managed with NSAIDs and/or pain medication.  To keep from irritating the tender areas that are beginning to heal, it is best to avoid eating hard, chewy, or hot foods that can easily irritate the empty tooth sockets. You will get to easily enjoy smoothies and yogurt during the initial healing period! Anything soft (food you can swallow without chewing) is the perfect meal for after your wisdom teeth removal procedure. If you have any questions about certain foods, please ask us! We are here to help!

As a patient at Greater Charlotte Oral & Facial Surgery, you are sure to be fully informed proceeding with your treatment plan and have efficient online resources to understand your upcoming wisdom teeth removal. If you have any questions about wisdom teeth extraction, please utilize the tools on our website or call our office.