Should I get my wisdom teeth pulled by my oral surgeon or a regular dentist ?

Question

I know I'm going to have to get braces and jaw surgery but I have to get my wisdom teeth removed. My oral surgeon wants me to get it removed by him so he can " keep some bone for the surgery" ? I'm a little skeptical of my oral surgeon and just sounds like he wants to do it for the money. Also my dentist can do it next week and my oral surgeon is going to make me wait 2 months for my authorization to come in. So who should pull my teeth out? Does it really matter ? Thanks!

Ira Shapira, DDS · Answer

In general most teeth can be extracted by the general dentist or the Oral Surgeon.  Many general dentists do not put patients out with IV sedation for extractions while oral surgeons do but there are a wide variety of oral sedation techniques available.The important item is that the dentist not do extractions beyond his skill level. General Dentists often prefer to do wisdom teeth one side at a time to make for easier recovery and better function during healing.  You mention you are having jaw surgery, many jaw surgeries are no longer necessary due to DNA Appliance and Epigenetic orthodontics/ orthopedics which orthopedically grow the maxilla and mandible.I have done thousands of extractions, implants and other surgical procedures as a general dentist but I only do that if I expect my patients to do as well or better with me preforming the procedure.  I also send out many cases to the Oral Surgeon including patients with multiple medical issues, patients with high risk of parasthesia, problem patients that are easier not to del with.  General dentists can cherry pick their patients while oral surgeons tend to see the patients they prefer not to treat.If you trust your dentist the best choice is to discuss this choice, most dentists want to avoid cases they feel are better served by specialists.Ira L Shapira DDSDiplomat, American Academy of Pain ManagementDiplomate, American Board of Dental Sleep MedicineRegent & Fellow, International College of CranioMandibular OrthopedicsBoard Eligible, American Academy of CranioFacial PainChair, American Alliance of TMD OrganizationsThinkBetterLife.com

Vicki Borowski, DDS · Answer

There are several things to consider. does your dentist take out wisdom teeth routinely? Are the extractions going to be difficult? You might consider the fact that oral surgeons take out teeth all day every day, your dentist may not be as experienced. I doubt your oral surgeon wants to take them out "just for the money". If he is going to do your jaw surgery it would make sense to allow him to do the whole procedure including your wisdom teeth. Ultimately you need to feel comfortable with whoever takes your teeth out.

Should I get my wisdom teeth pulled by my oral surgeon or a regular dentist ?

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Should I get my wisdom teeth pulled by my oral surgeon or a regular dentist ?

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