It’s a fact backed by science: about 85% of the population will need their wisdom teeth pulled at some point in their lives. We’ll save you the long story and keep things short and sweet—basically, our mouths have shrunk over time due to diet changes, and they are no longer large enough to accommodate a third set of molars. It’s nerve-wracking having one tooth extracted, let alone four at the same time, so a good experience is paramount.
Selecting the right dental surgeon to perform a wisdom tooth extraction is crucial for a safe and comfortable experience. But how do you know whether or not that wisdom teeth removal doctor down the road from you is worth the visit? Here’s what you need to know when looking for the right surgeon for the job.
Understanding the Type of Doctor You Need
Extracting wisdom teeth from the mouth requires the steady hands and skillset of an experienced oral surgeon. A general dentist can help in simpler cases, but in the event of wisdom teeth extraction, the best they can do is tell you that it’s time to see a surgeon specializing in wisdom teeth removal operations.
Dental surgeons who remove wisdom teeth regularly have seen it all. Whether a patient is experiencing impacted wisdom teeth, complex cases, or an infection, a wisdom tooth extraction specialist is the right person for the job.
Oral surgeons who perform wisdom teeth removal have the training to back up their expertise, too. First they complete dental school, which takes roughly 4 years, and then they also complete a surgical residency in a hospital or other setting, which takes an additional 4-6 years. With an average of 10 years of schooling and hands-on experience, they’re highly educated and have all the expertise necessary to take on wisdom teeth cases.
Factors to Consider When Selecting an Oral Surgeon
So, what do you need to keep in mind when it’s time to find a wisdom tooth removal specialist? Many people choose their doctor based on a word-of-mouth recommendation from someone who’s gone through the same procedure. And while that’s all well and good, here are some other considerations if you want to make sure it’s the right oral surgeon for you.
Education, Experience, and Specialization
When selecting any kind of healthcare professional, you should always consider their experience and what fields of medicine they specialize in. The same holds for dental surgeons who pull wisdom teeth.
Most practices list this kind of information on their websites, usually right alongside a short bio of the surgeons who work there. When browsing local oral surgeons who efficiently remove wisdom teeth, keep an eye out for the following info:
- Years in practice: Generally speaking, the longer a wisdom tooth removal expert has been in practice, the better they’ll be at their jobs.
- Expertise related to wisdom teeth removal: They might have been in the business for a while, but how much experience do they have with wisdom teeth specifically?
- Continued education: Dentists who stay up-to-date on the latest technology and techniques are more likely to be engaged in the actual surgery too.
- Board certifications: Do they have any specific certifications that would lend to their credibility as a wisdom teeth removal dentist who’s an expert in their field?
Patient Reviews or Testimonials
Besides researching surgeons, another surefire way to vet a practice or particular wisdom tooth removal doctor is to take a look at reviews that their patients have left. While some practices might include reviews on their own website, for a completely unbiased take, you’ll want to cross-reference those with third-party sites like Google Reviews, Yelp, or Zocdoc.
When reading over reviews, look for consistent themes in patient experiences. Did most people love their experience with this wisdom tooth removal dentist? Or was there a recurring problem that left some with a bad taste in their mouth?
Of course, word-of-mouth reviews and recommendations count here, too. Did someone in your extended family have their wisdom teeth taken out in the recent past? They might know a great surgeon. Or maybe a friend of a friend had a stellar experience with a local wisdom tooth removal specialist who’s only a short drive away. Word-of-mouth opinions are powerful because they come from people you know you can trust, but check online as well, just in case your friend or family member was a one-off.
Questions to Ask at a Consultation
Once you’ve found an oral surgeon who regularly performs wisdom tooth extractions and you’ve got a good feeling about them, the next step is to schedule a consultation. This is a great opportunity to ask further questions in an attempt to truly assess whether or not the doctor is the right fit for you.
Here are some common questions patients ask to get a better understanding of the procedure itself, and the oral surgery team who will perform it:
- How many full wisdom tooth removals do you perform every year?
- What anesthesia options does the practice offer?
- Are there any risks or complications associated with this procedure?
- What are your policies on post-op emergencies?
Take as much time as you need to fully evaluate whether a certain professional is the right one for the job or not. By putting time and effort into this decision, you’re investing in your oral health and long-term comfort, both of which are invaluable.
