Wisdom teeth are typically removed by either a general dentist or an oral surgeon (also called an oral and maxillofacial surgeon).
- A general dentist can perform wisdom tooth extractions, especially if the teeth are straightforward to remove
- Oral surgeons are specialists trained to handle more complex cases, such as impacted wisdom teeth that require surgical removal, including making incisions in the gums or removing bone around the tooth
- The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, but sedation or general anesthesia may be used for more difficult extractions or anxious patients
In summary, wisdom teeth removal can be done by a dentist or an oral surgeon, depending on the complexity of the case and the patient's needs