Surgical Extractions of Teeth
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are highly trained specialists who are experts in surgery of the mouth, face and jaws, and in particular specialise in surgical extraction of teeth, including wisdom teeth and other impacted teeth.
Do I need to see a surgeon?
General dentists are well equipped to manage most simple tooth extractions. However, in some circumstances, your dentist may refer you to a surgeon. The reasons for this vary, but may include:
Impaction of teeth (where teeth are partially or fully submerged below the gum - such as wisdom teeth), requiring surgical extraction
Proximity to other important structures, such as the maxillary sinus (the air filled space between the top teeth and the cheek bone), or important nerves such as the inferior alveolar nerve (which supplies sensation to the lower lip and chin)
Needing to consider general anaesthetic (going to sleep) for your procedure
Medical conditions warranting extra consideration or care. All specialist-qualified maxillofacial surgeons complete a full medical degree and work full-time as hospital doctors prior to entering specialist surgical training, and thus are well trained to understand and deal with most medical problems, and to liaise with your GP or other specialists if required.