If you need a tooth extraction, contacting an oral surgeon may not be your first thought. You’re more likely to call your dentist — but that isn’t always the best approach.
Dentists do extract teeth, and having your regular dentist pull your problem tooth might sound more convenient. However, every tooth extraction has a risk of complications. And should any arise during your procedure, an oral surgeon has the skill and expertise to properly handle the situation.
Your Tooth Extraction May Not Be Routine
You may think your extraction will be a simple, routine procedure, one that your dentist could easily handle. And you might be right — but without an X-ray, you really don’t know. The tooth might be impacted, the roots may not be positioned for easy removal or the X-rays could reveal an issue in your jawbone.
If you go to your regular dentist and find out that your tooth extraction will not be a simple, straightforward procedure, you’ll need to visit an oral surgeon anyway. As that could easily be the case, heading directly to the surgeon makes good sense.
Your Tooth Extraction Could Become Complicated
Let’s say you decide to go to your regular dentist, and according to the X-rays, your extraction should be quite simple. You can go ahead and have your dentist pull the problem tooth, right?
Actually, any extraction — even a procedure that appears to be routine — has the potential to become complex. The root could fracture, necessitating removal of some of the surrounding bone. Or the tooth might break off at the gumline, and extraction may require surgical treatment.
Dentists are not qualified to handle complex surgical tooth extractions. If your procedure becomes complicated, you’ll need to see an oral surgeon who has the skill, knowledge and expertise to resolve the situation.
Choosing an Oral Surgeon for Your Tooth Extraction
For the best care, you need to see the right oral surgeon.
Your dentist may make a recommendation, or you can ask your friends, family members or co-workers for the name of a local surgeon they trust.
Before deciding on a professional to visit, however, make sure they have certification from the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS). Board-certified surgeons are committed to the highest standards and understand the latest surgical techniques — and both help ensure your extraction is a positive experience.
If you live in Richmond or the greater east central Indiana area, turn to the professional team at Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. We handle tooth extractions with expert care. Our board-certified oral surgeons, Dr. Partridge and Dr. Alderman, perform routine and complex extractions every day.
You’ll be in good hands with Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Contact us and schedule a tooth extraction consultation today.