Can a General Dentist Perform a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth Extraction Grand Junction, CO

If you need a tooth extraction, you probably wonder if your regular dentist can perform the extraction or if the procedure will need to be done by an oral surgeon. The answer to this question depends on several factors and should be determined on a case-by-case basis. Read on to understand the different factors that go into you and your dentist or oral surgeon deciding who will perform your tooth extraction.

Simple extraction vs. surgical extraction 

The first factor in play is whether the extraction will be a simple extraction or a surgical extraction. A simple extraction is removing a tooth that is fully erupted, meaning that it is fully above the gum line and is visible in your mouth. A surgical extraction is necessary when a tooth has not erupted and is hidden below the gum line in the jawbone or has only partially erupted. This situation is common with wisdom teeth, which are the last set of molars that come in. A general dentist can perform a simple tooth extraction using forceps. For a surgical extraction, however, only an oral surgeon is qualified to perform the extraction procedure.

General dentist vs. an oral surgeon 

It should be noted that a general dentist can perform simple tooth extractions. Many people rely on their general dentist to perform this routine procedure, and it is easily accomplished in-office. However, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon in some instances. If you have limited jaw mobility, large sinuses, or your teeth are positioned in a way that prevents a general dentist from being able to perform the tooth extraction; then an oral surgeon will need to do the procedure. 

Another reason you would need an oral surgeon for your tooth extraction is if the tooth or teeth you are having removed are cracked or broken. Removal of cracked or broken teeth is more complicated than extracting an intact tooth and requires oral anesthesia. Oral surgeons are can also help patients with dental anxiety because oral surgeons are qualified to administer a variety of different types of anesthesia. 

When simple tooth extractions aren’t simple 

Simple tooth extractions are not always so simple. If, for some reason, you are at risk for complications from simple tooth extraction, your general dentist will guide what you should do next. Some of the complications patients may experience during a simple tooth extraction include cracks or complex tooth root systems. 

It’s important to note that every patient is different. The requirements for your procedure will depend on many factors, such as your current tooth health, location of the extraction, and your risk of developing complications. Your dentist can provide more information about whether he or she can perform the extraction in their office. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.hudsonfamilydentalgj.com or call Hudson Family Dental at (970) 305-8727 for an appointment in our Grand Junction office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tooth Extraction in Grand Junction, CO.

Recent Posts

When You Should Get A Wisdom Tooth Extraction

A wisdom tooth extraction is not something that most people look forward to. However, it is often necessary to relieve pain and ensure good oral health. With that, it is important to know when to get wisdom teeth extracted. Everyone's mouth is different, meaning that everyone will experience impacted wisdom teeth at different times, and…

Healing From Wisdom Tooth Extraction

The patient does not feel any discomfort during wisdom teeth extraction, but there is a recovery period after treatment. It is important to follow proper aftercare instructions to reduce the risk of an oral infection, recover faster and keep pain, swelling and bleeding to a minimal level.After wisdom tooth extraction, patients should follow all the…

When You Should Get A Wisdom Tooth Extraction

A Wisdom Teeth Extraction is a procedure that not a lot of people look forward to. However, these procedures are done in order to avoid future complications such as pain, overcrowding or crookedness, which makes them worthwhile in the end. Wondering when to get a wisdom tooth extraction? There are some scenarios that may make…

3 Situations An Emergency Dentist Can Help With

An emergency dentist can provide the care you need if you end up with a dental problem that counts as an emergency. Some issues like an infected tooth simply cannot wait for a routine dental appointment. Waiting to get treatment for such an issue puts your health at risk and can leave you in agonizing…

Recent Posts

Tips To Extend The Longevity Of Implant Supported Dentures

4 Tips To Extend The Longevity Of Implant Supported Dentures

You may be considering implant supported dentures already. Part of considering this option is to know how long these teeth replacements will last. These dentures are an investment. Taking care of them is an order. If you want to know how to extend the life of your implant supported dentures, here are the details.This applies…

Material Options For Dental Crowns

3 Material Options For Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are the most popular way to restore teeth that are in bad shape due to decay, injury or other imperfections. Modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of many different material choices, all of which offer their own pros and cons. Keep reading to learn about three options that general dentists recommend. Outlined below…