What Dentist Takes Out Wisdom Teeth? Your Guide to Specialists and Procedures

When your wisdom teeth start bothering you, the pain can feel like a runaway train in your jaw. You might wonder, “Should my regular dentist take them out? Or do I need to see a special kind of dentist?” This article will walk you through who takes out wisdom teeth, who should handle your case, what the process is, and how to pick the best option for your health and comfort. Sit back—I’ll give you clear answers, based on simple advice from dental experts like Dr. Joe Dental, on what to expect and why it’s important for your smile.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Why Are Wisdom Teeth Such a Big Deal?

Let’s be honest, wisdom teeth can surprise you. Many people don’t notice them at first, but one morning you might wake up with swelling, pain, or a jaw that barely opens. These “third molars” can push on your other teeth, get stuck (called “impacted”), or even cause infection. So, you need to know as soon as possible which dentist you should see—and that’s what this guide is for.

What are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Cause Problems?

Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, usually come through between ages 17 and 25. You might think, “Great, more teeth to chew with!” But because our jaws are smaller than long ago, these teeth often don’t have enough space to grow straight.

When wisdom teeth crowd your mouth, they can:

• Push other teeth out of place (say hello to crooked teeth)
• Get stuck under the gum or bone (that’s what we call impaction)
• Trap germs and food, causing pain or infection, like pericoronitis
• Cause a cyst or even hurt nerves, like the inferior alveolar nerve

Most people (around 70-80%, says the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons) have at least one stuck wisdom tooth that needs attention.

Do All Dentists Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Here’s a common question: “Can my regular family dentist pull wisdom teeth?” The answer is—it depends.

General dentists are trained to keep your teeth healthy, and they do take out teeth often. But wisdom teeth are different. Taking them out can be tricky, especially if they’re stuck, twisted, or close to a big nerve.

Here’s a quick table:

So, while your regular dentist might remove a wisdom tooth if it’s grown in straight and is easy to reach, most cases go to an oral surgeon—the specialist.

When Does a General Dentist Handle Wisdom Teeth Removal?

I remember my own dentist, Dr. Joe Dental, looked at my X-rays. “These upper wisdom teeth came in pretty straight,” he said. “We can get them out in the office.” In these easier cases, when your wisdom teeth are fully grown in (meaning, they broke through the gum), a general dentist can usually remove them just like other teeth.

Your dentist might take out wisdom teeth if:

• The teeth came in straight.
• They’re not hard to get to.
• There’s no sign they’re stuck or the roots are a weird shape.
• There’s no big nerve nearby.

But if things look tricky—even a bit—the dentist will usually say, “I’m sending you to an oral surgeon.” They do this for safety, but also so you get the best result.

Meet the Expert: What Is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?

Oral surgeons are like dental experts for tough extractions. These oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS) do four to six more years of training after dental school! They remove tough wisdom teeth, fix broken jaws, and even do face surgeries.

You go to an oral surgeon for wisdom teeth removal if:

• The tooth is stuck (impacted under the gum or bone).
• The tooth is near the sinus or close to nerves.
• There are signs of infection, like swelling or pericoronitis.
• You want to be “asleep” for the procedure (IV or general sedation).
• There’s a chance of cyst or tumor.
• You want all four wisdom teeth out at once.

Oral surgeons handle the tricky stuff—hard extractions, advanced sedation, even problems like nerve trouble or jaw tightness (trismus). They have special tools and know what to do if anything goes wrong.

How Does a Dentist Decide Who Should Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?

Your regular dentist is like your tooth doctor. When you come in with jaw pain or swollen gums in the back, here’s what they do to decide who should take out your wisdom teeth:

• Look at your mouth: The dentist checks your gums and teeth.
• X-rays: These show how your wisdom teeth are growing. Sometimes they’ll order a CBCT or panoramic X-ray for a better view.
• Difficulty: If the teeth are straight and easy, the dentist might do it. If they’re stuck, have weird roots, or are close to nerves or sinuses, you go to a specialist.
• Chance of problems: If there’s a risk of dry socket, infection, or nerve hurt, you’ll see an oral surgeon.
• Patient needs: Young people heal faster, so early removal is best. If you’re super nervous, you might need to be “asleep,” which most oral surgeons can handle.

The goal: keep things safe, simple, and as stress-free as they can.

What Happens During the Wisdom Teeth Removal Process?

Worried what’s next? Here’s what usually happens, step by step.

A. Pre-Surgery Visit

First, you meet with your dentist or oral surgeon. They go over your X-rays, look in your mouth, and explain what they’ll do. You’ll talk about:

• Your health (like allergies or medical issues)
• What kind of anesthesia you want: local (numbing), laughing gas, pills to relax you, IV sleep, or full sleep
• Risks, benefits, and what to do before surgery (like not eating, stopping some medicines)

B. The Removal

On the surgery day, you’ll get the anesthesia—so you won’t feel pain. If a tooth is stuck, the dentist or surgeon makes a small cut in your gum, might take away a bit of bone, and sometimes breaks the tooth into pieces to get it out more easily.

They take out the tooth with special tools, clean the spot, and sometimes put in a few stitches. Removing all four teeth can take about 45 minutes to an hour, but just one tooth can be faster.

C. After the Surgery

You’ll rest in the chair while the team checks you. They will give you clear instructions for caring for your mouth and prescriptions for pain medicine or antibiotics if needed.

How Do You Recover After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

Now it’s time to rest and let your mouth heal.

Right After Surgery

• Gauze: Bite down to help stop any bleeding.
• Ice packs: These help keep swelling down.
• Pain medicine: Take as the dentist tells you.

Eating and Drinking

Eat soft foods—stuff like yogurt, applesauce, pudding, mashed potatoes. Skip hard snacks like chips, nuts, or popcorn. Don’t use a straw! Sucking can cause a dry socket, where your blood clot comes out and your bone hurts.

Cleanliness and Healing

• Rinse gently with salty water after the first day.
• Don’t brush the surgery spot right away—let it rest.
• Keep your mouth clean so you don’t get an infection.

Most people start feeling better after 3-7 days, but full bone healing takes much longer. If you get lots of pain, swelling, or fever, call your dentist or oral surgeon.

What Are the Risks and Complications?

Wisdom teeth removal is safe, but like anything, things can go wrong. Here are some things to know:

• Dry socket: Happens in 2-5% of cases. This feels like sharp pain a few days later, usually in the bottom jaw.
• Infection: Rare (less than 2%), but can happen if you don’t keep the area clean.
• Nerve injury: Rare, but can happen, especially in bottom jaw teeth. Most times it goes away, but sometimes it stays.
• Jaw tightness (Trismus)
• Swelling and bruises

Your oral surgeon will tell you how to keep these problems away. Following post-surgery instructions—like not smoking, not using straws, and keeping your mouth clean— really helps.

How Much Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost?

Money matters, right? Here’s an easy way to see costs:

Dental insurance may pay part (or all) of the cost, especially if it’s needed for health reasons (stuck, infected, etc). Check your dental insurance and ask about payment plans if you need help.

How Do You Find the Right Specialist for You?

Finding the right wisdom tooth expert isn’t hard if you follow these tips:

• Start with your regular dentist. They can help and send you to the best oral surgeon.
• Talk to your dental insurance company. Make sure the oral surgeon is on your plan, so you pay less.
• Check their experience and reviews. Look for a certified oral surgeon who’s done lots of these surgeries. Patient stories and before-after photos are helpful.
• Set up a meeting. Ask your questions and see if you feel comfortable. You can also ask about digital X-rays, types of sedation, and how many times they’ve done this.

Many clinics work with expert labs like a crown and bridge lab or a china dental lab for dental repairs, making sure your smile stays good after surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to remove my wisdom teeth if they don’t hurt?

A: Not always. Sometimes, wisdom teeth can stay if they are healthy, straight, and easy to keep clean. Your dentist will check X-rays to see problems you may not feel yet.

Q: How long does recovery take?

A: Swelling and pain last about 3–7 days. Full healing is slower. Everyone’s different!

Q: Is it better to remove wisdom teeth early?

A: Yes, most of the time. Younger people heal faster and do better, so many dentists say ages 17 to 25 is best.

Q: What can I eat after my wisdom teeth get pulled?

A: Choose soft foods like pudding, yogurt, and soup in the beginning. Stay away from crunchy, spicy, or hot foods until you’re better.

Q: What if I need dental repairs after surgery?

A: Your dentist might work with a dental ceramics lab or veneer lab to repair teeth or get you a night guard if you grind your teeth after surgery.

Key Points to Remember

• Most wisdom teeth are best removed by an oral surgeon, especially if they’re stuck or tricky.
• See your general dentist first for a check and referral.
• It’s easier and you heal faster when you’re younger.
• Costs change depending on how hard the case is and what type of sleep you need. Check your insurance and payment choices.
• Follow healing instructions: eat soft foods, don’t use straws or smoke, and keep your mouth clean.
• Picking the right dental professional keeps your mouth healthy for years.
• Good dentists (like Dr. Joe Dental) always focus on safe, friendly care.

Let this guide be your map. With wisdom teeth, having the right dentist makes all the difference—so you feel better, stay healthy, and keep smiling.