Tooth Extraction Cases for an Oral Surgeon

Some tooth extraction cases require the more advanced surgical and anatomy knowledge of an oral surgeon. In fact, a dentist will often refer their more complicated extraction cases to an oral surgeon. Here is a closer look at an oral surgeon's qualifications and key examples of tooth extraction cases they handle.

Why an oral surgeon

The path to becoming an oral surgeon is a long one. After gaining their undergraduate degree and finishing dental school, they complete a 4 to 6-year hospital residency, working alongside doctors in other disciplines. During this residency, they gain hands-on experience with the full range of maxillofacial surgeries, including everything from tooth extractions and dental implants to complex jaw surgeries. Since they work alongside other doctors in a hospital environment, they gain additional knowledge in other areas relevant to oral surgery, such as pathology and anesthesiology. As surgical specialists in the dental field, oral surgeons can handle some of the most complex extraction cases.

Tooth extraction cases for an oral surgeon

If a tooth extraction case requires highly complex care, the dentist will refer the patient to an oral surgeon to get the patient the appropriate care. Many factors can complicate a tooth extraction, including the patient's anatomy, the need for multiple procedures, and health complications. Here are some prime examples of tooth extraction cases oral surgeons handle.

Complications with facial structure/tooth position

Sometimes, the tooth's position in relation to dental nerves or other facial structures like the sinuses makes pulling teeth difficult. For example, an oral surgeon should perform the extraction if a patient's tooth roots are too close to a dental nerve or the sinuses. They have the knowledge and skill to safely extract the tooth without damaging the nerves or sinuses.

Patients with underlying medical conditions

Some patients are at increased risk of medical complications due to medical conditions. For example, those with bleeding disorders, heart issues, or immune system disorders may need to work with an oral surgeon even for more simple extractions. Oral surgeons possess higher proficiency in managing medical complications before or after surgery.

Complex or multiple extractions

Patients needing multiple extractions and those with badly cracked or decayed are likely to need an oral surgeon. An oral surgeon can also help with certain cases of impacted teeth. These procedures can be more likely to call for general anesthesia, something an oral surgeon has additional training in. Also, oral surgeons are skilled at extractions involving the removal of bone or sectioning the tooth to facilitate removal.

Other special cases

An oral surgeon may also handle tooth extraction cases for those with dental phobia or patients with facial trauma associated with the teeth that need to be extracted. In addition, oral surgeons may perform tooth extractions as part of a dental implant treatment plan, especially if the patient needs other preparatory procedures such as bone grafting or a sinus lift.