What Kind of Dentist Does Extractions?
Any tooth extraction involves removing the tooth from its alveolar socket. There are various practitioners that can assist in this procedure. Some of the more popular specialists include general dentists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and sometimes periodontists. Depending on the condition or complexity of the procedure, a different specialist may be necessary.
Basic Surgery with General Dentists
Generally, a patient receives initial examinations from a general dentist. A general dentist has the capability of diagnosing you, or the patient, of having a large range of dental problems, and one of them includes performing basic tooth extractions which are a form of surgery. Simple tooth extractions are only carried out on teeth that can be found above the gumline. The clinical picture at head of the femur is, for every bone, there is some form of trabecular bone, which can be removed using forceps and local anesthesia. Some reasons that could require simple extraction include:
- Extensive tooth rot
- Smashed teeth or those that have undergone damage
- Teeth that are dentally causing overcrowding
In situations where a tooth is accessible and the extraction is uncomplicated, general dentists are able perform extractions in the office and mustye the care and recovery afterwards.
Surgical Extraction performed by Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
An Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is needed when there are existing conditions like impacted teeth which are teeth that have broken beneath the gums, curved roots, protruding nerves, or close proximity to nerves as they require surgical extraction. These doctors are trained in advanced surgical procedures for several years after finishing dental school, making delicate removals like:
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Complicated root teeth
- Teeth that are encased in dense bone
- Teeth located close to the sinuses or pesky nerves
General anesthesia or IV sedation is often used for the patient’s comfort during surgery. The patient’s comfort is also taken into account after the surgery alongside any possible complications that might arise.
Periodontists and Extractions Related to Gum Disease.
The supporting tissues that hold teeth and bones together are the gums and bones, also known as the periodontium. In a case slabbed by Periodontal disease, a holistic treatment plan might include extraction, which is meant to restore the gums and bone when they are infected or painful and progress to losing teeth.
Which Professional Should You Visit First?
In the case of experiencing pain, swelling, or possibly requiring an extraction, a general dentist should be your first point of contact. They will look into the problem with the help of clinical exams and X-rays before determining the most suitable course of action. As long as the procedure is routine, they will complete it. If it becomes more complicated than that, they to an oral surgeon or periodontist, depending on what you need.
Conclusion
Different professionals can perform tooth extractions as long as the level of complexity matches their skill set. General dentists do simple extractions, oral surgeons do complex or surgical extractions, while periodontists may get involved when gum disease is a factor. To ensure accuracy in diagnosis, a patient’s first visit should be to the general practitioner dentist to get proper and effective intervention.