For most people, this recommendation brings uncertainty and anxiety, as does everything related to maxillofacial surgery. The thought of maxillofacial surgery sends chills down my spine. But, if you’ve asked your plantation dentist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon all your questions, you can start the operation with the confidence that things will get better soon.
You should see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for many reasons.
A wisdom tooth or some other type of extraction is probably the most common reason your plantation dentist might refer you to an oral surgeon for a consultation. However, oral surgeons must also prepare the oral cavity for dental implants or oral appliances such as dentures.
Usually, your traditional plantation dentist can handle the extraction. So, why must you see an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth removal? It is what makes wisdom teeth a little more difficult. It is not the tooth itself but the root. For the most part, the more normal the location of the wisdom tooth and the farther through the gum it can erupt, the easier the extraction process will be. After that, the healing process will also be easier to overcome.
The wisdom tooth’s anatomy is another reason an oral surgeon should remove it. Wisdom teeth have multiple roots; Lower wisdom teeth usually have two roots, while upper wisdom teeth usually have three. Everyone is different, and therefore there is a large degree of variation in how wisdom tooth roots can form. Not only can each person be different, but also, each tooth may differ in how the roots are formed.
Some wisdom teeth have separate and distinct roots, while others have roots that have grown together or formed in strange ways. Various scenarios make wisdom tooth extraction more difficult than the extraction of a fully developed tooth.
Now stop before you think of the worst case scenario. It’s easy to get caught, so stop. If you’ve been told you need a wisdom tooth removed, find out what’s going on and talk to your plantation dentist and oral surgeon so you know what to expect. Examining your teeth will give you an idea of what the roots are doing and therefore give your dentist and surgeon a good idea of how complex your procedure can be. Remember the key point about wisdom teeth removal: you will be asleep.
Summary
After your oral surgeon has removed your wisdom tooth, the only job they are responsible for is healing. As a rule, the healing process goes hand in hand with the degree of difficulty of the extraction. Again, don’t jump on the worst case. Proper planning comes through getting information. Talk to your dentist about the recovery process so you can plan your recovery as quickly as possible.
