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Wisdom tooth removal is one of the most common oral surgery procedures, yet it is not always a routine tooth removal. When wisdom teeth are impacted, positioned near nerves, or embedded in the jawbone, the procedure becomes more complex and requires surgical precision.
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When To See an Oral Surgeon for Wisdom Teeth Removal
If your wisdom teeth are impacted, partially erupted, angled sideways, or located close to major nerves or the sinus cavity, an oral surgeon is typically the appropriate provider.
General dentists can remove fully erupted, uncomplicated wisdom teeth. However, many third molar extractions require:
- Removal of surrounding bone
- Sectioning the tooth into smaller pieces
- Management of curved or fused roots
- Protection of nearby nerves
- Surgical suturing of gum tissue
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete several additional years of hospital-based surgical training after dental school. This advanced training focuses on complex extractions, facial anatomy, anesthesia, and management of surgical complications.
Why Third Molar Extractions Are More Complex
Many patients do not have enough space in the jaw for them to come in properly, which can lead to impaction or partial eruption.
Common situations include:
- Teeth growing sideways against the second molar
- Repeated gum irritation around partially erupted teeth
- Cysts forming around the tooth
- Roots positioned close to a major nerve
- Swelling and difficulty opening the mouth
When wisdom teeth develop this way, removal often requires careful planning and a surgical approach to protect nearby teeth, bone, and nerves.
Sedation Options Available Through an Oral Surgeon
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive advanced training in anesthesia and can provide different levels of sedation during the procedure.
Sedation options may include:
- Oral sedation
- Nitrous oxide
- IV sedation
- General anesthesia
The appropriate level of sedation is selected based on the complexity of the extraction, your medical history, and the planned surgical approach.
Wisdom Tooth Removal in Deer Park, IL
If your dentist has recommended wisdom teeth removal, a surgical consultation can help determine the appropriate next step.
To book an appointment at our oral surgeons office in Deer Park, IL, call (847) 381-0106 or visit us at 21660 W. Field Parkway, Suite 220, Deer Park, IL.
FAQs
Oral surgeons routinely treat infected wisdom teeth. Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment may involve antibiotics before surgery followed by surgical removal of the tooth.
For simple, fully erupted wisdom teeth, a general dentist may be able to perform the extraction. When the teeth are impacted, angled, or close to important structures, an oral surgeon is typically the more appropriate choice due to their advanced surgical training.
General dentists can remove uncomplicated wisdom teeth that have fully erupted. Impacted or surgically complex third molars are commonly referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for removal.
