Our jaws often don’t have enough room for wisdom teeth or third molars. It causes wisdom teeth to erupt at an angle and impact neighboring teeth. Removing the wisdom teeth is the permanent solution to this problem.
But, do dentists pull wisdom teeth? Dr. Bernstein from Gentle Dental in Newark, New Jersey, says, “No, wisdom teeth are usually removed either by a general dentist or by an oral surgeon.”
Let’s learn more about who can perform wisdom teeth extractions and what to expect from the procedure.
Who Can Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are certified professionals for wisdom teeth extraction. They have the necessary training and experience to perform complex surgeries like wisdom teeth removal. General dentists can also perform this surgery.
Why Don’t Dentists Pull Wisdom Teeth?
While routine dental care is handled by most general dentists, wisdom teeth extractions are usually performed by professionals with advanced training, such as general dentists or oral surgeons. This is because:
- Specialized Training and Expertise: General dentists and oral surgeons undergo additional education that qualifies them to safely remove wisdom teeth, particularly in cases that may involve complexities.
- Experience in Complex Cases: These professionals are highly experienced in performing wisdom teeth extractions. This ensures that even more difficult procedures are managed with precision and care.
- Comprehensive Medical Knowledge: Oral surgeons possess advanced training specifically in oral and maxillofacial procedures. It enables them to handle any complications that may arise during more complex extractions.
- Anesthesia and Pain Management: Both oral surgeons and some general dentists are certified to administer sedation or anesthesia. It ensures a pain-free and safe extraction experience for patients.
When to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
We recommend extracting wisdom teeth in the following cases.
1. Trapped Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth get trapped in some people, which can lead to swelling and severe pain. In this case, removing the wisdom teeth becomes necessary.
2. Wisdom Teeth Impacting Other Teeth
There is limited space inside our mouth. If wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to grow, they can push against nearby teeth. To protect those teeth, we recommend removing the wisdom teeth.
3. Damaged Wisdom Teeth
As it is difficult to remove food particles from wisdom teeth, they are more prone to cavities and other gum-related problems. If the affected teeth are no longer suitable for treatment, we recommend removing them.
What is the Recovery Time for Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
Recovery times may vary. Local anesthetic wears off within 20–30 minutes, while recovery from general anesthesia or IV sedation may take 2–3 hours. Full recovery from swelling and pain typically takes 2–3 days, though some patients may need up to a week for more extensive procedures.
Our Recommendations After Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Don’t brush the area around the extracted tooth for 24 hours.
- Eat soft and mild foods during your recovery. The following items can help you heal quickly:
- Soft boiled rice
- Soft-boiled or scrambled eggs
- Vegetables
- Soups
- Yogurt
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my family dentist perform wisdom teeth extraction surgery?
If your family dentist is a certified general dentist or oral surgeon, they can perform this surgery. If not, you must consult with general dentists or oral surgeons.
Q: Is wisdom teeth extraction painful?
Not at all. We use local or general anesthetics to ensure our patients don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
Protect Your Dental Health with Gentle Dental of NJ!
At Gentle Dental of NJ, we prioritize your dental health. Our team uses advanced equipment to diagnose any wisdom teeth issues and offers modern solutions to relieve pain.
We ensure you live a comfortable life with no pain and without affecting your essential teeth. Call us today to resolve your wisdom teeth problems for good!
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your physician for any medical concerns or before starting any treatment. Do not ignore professional medical advice due to the information read here. The authors are not responsible for any outcomes from the use of this information.
