Dental Extractions Done by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

November 08, 2013 at 3:08 PM

Having a dental extraction…a tooth removed…is often perceived to be scary and most people tend to postpone the problem as much as possible.  The thought of an injection, the resulting pain and swelling is enough to cause severe anxiety and stress in almost 90% of all affected patients. However, there is an important fact you should know: even though all dentists are trained to perform extractions, the process is done most efficiently and most comfortably by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, an oral surgery specialist.

Yes, general dentists are trained to do dental extractions and all dentists train for five years in a range of different disciplines and they are capable of carrying out almost all basic and some aspects of advanced dental procedures. Some general dentists may not have a degree in extractions, but they definitely have years of clinical experience.

On the other hand, oral and maxillofacial surgeons train for an extra two years only in dental extractions to provide expert care. This may seem redundant when you consider the fact that a trained general dentist can also do the job but, you do not need the risk.  Like every other surgery, dental surgery is also fraught with complications and common side effects.

For complicated procedures like a wisdom tooth extraction, Houston general dentists usually call in specialist like, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of Houston, to provide a quick and efficient dental extraction including any wisdom tooth extraction.  Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to deal with all kinds of medical emergencies and they usually work in a hospital setting. As a result, they have their own support staff in the form of emergency medical nurses, anesthesiologists, dental nurses etc, which would provide valuable assistance in any dental emergency. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons specialize in difficult wisdom teeth extraction procedures and they also provide valuable wisdom tooth extraction after-care procedures to ensure dental health.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons carry out difficult and complicated surgeries and they know how to remove the tricky and curved roots of wisdom teeth during an extraction as well as properly deal with the complications of fractured teeth during tooth extractions. These specially trained surgeons are familiar with retained wisdom tooth extraction and impacted teeth. Apart from extractions, oral and maxillofacial surgeons also do unique dental procedures like dental implantplacements, bone grafting on to a wisdom tooth extraction, oral cancer, tumor, and cyst removal, and more.

Your general dentist is often the first to tell you that may require the specialty services of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon after carrying out a complete dental evaluation. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons of Houston will work closely with your dentist to provide the best treatment for your particular needs.