Who Should Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?

When wisdom teeth need to be removed, one of the first questions patients ask is who should perform the procedure. Some extractions can be handled by a general dentist, while others require an oral surgeon. The difference depends on how the wisdom teeth are positioned and how complex the removal will be.

Legacy Surgery offers wisdom tooth removal in Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA.

Should You See an Oral Surgeon or a Dentist for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Both dentists and oral surgeons can remove wisdom teeth, but the best choice depends on clinical complexity and risk. 

• Fully erupted, straightforward wisdom teeth can often be removed by a general dentist.
• Impacted, angled, or high‑risk wisdom teeth are usually better managed by an oral surgeon.

Oral surgeons manage surgical extractions every day, including teeth close to nerves or sinuses, and teeth that require bone removal or sectioning. For many patients, this level of specialization provides a safer and more controlled surgical experience.

When a General Dentist May Remove Wisdom Teeth

General dentists may remove wisdom teeth when the procedure is similar to a routine extraction and the risk of complications is low.

Common situations where a dentist may be appropriate include:

• The wisdom tooth is fully erupted into the mouth
• The tooth has a straightforward root shape
• Roots are not close to major nerves or the sinus
• No bone removal is expected

In these cases, removal can often be completed in a general dental office without the need for specialist care.

When an Oral Surgeon Is the Better Choice

Oral surgeons are trained to manage complex or higher‑risk wisdom teeth extractions. Referral to an oral surgeon is common when the anatomy or position of the teeth increases surgical difficulty.

An oral surgeon is typically recommended when:

• Wisdom teeth are impacted or partially erupted
• Teeth are angled, rotated, or trapped in the jawbone
• Roots are close to the inferior alveolar nerve or sinus
• Bone removal or tooth sectioning is required
• There is a history of difficult extractions or complications

In these situations, specialist training and experience can reduce the risk of complications and support smoother recovery.

Training Differences Between Dentists and Oral Surgeons

General dentists complete dental school and provide a broad range of dental services, including examinations, fillings, crowns, preventive care, and basic extractions.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete dental school followed by several additional years of hospital‑based surgical training. This residency focuses on:

• Surgical tooth extraction and management of impacted teeth
• Jaw and facial anatomy
• Anesthesia and sedation techniques
• Management of surgical complications and infections

Do You Need a Referral to See an Oral Surgeon?

A referral from a general dentist is helpful but not always required. Many patients contact an oral surgery office directly for an evaluation when they have pain, swelling, or X‑rays that show impacted wisdom teeth.

Insurance coverage varies, but wisdom teeth removal performed by an oral surgeon is often covered when it is medically necessary. During the consultation, the office team can review your plan, expected benefits, and any out‑of‑pocket costs.

Wisdom Teeth Removal at Legacy Surgery

At Legacy Surgery, wisdom teeth removal is planned around tooth position, jaw anatomy, and your comfort needs. Advanced imaging helps assess the location of roots, nerves, and sinuses before surgery, and appropriate anesthesia options are discussed at the consultation.

To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Staunton, call (540) 213-8750 or visit us at 110 Mactanly Pl C, Staunton, VA.

📍Other location

Legacy Surgery in Harrisonburg, VA

(540) 437-1230

2071 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA

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