Can A General Dentist Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Who Is a General Dentist?

A general dentist is a dental professional that provides a range of dental services, including preventive care, restorative care, and cosmetic treatments. Generally, these dentists are the primary caregivers to patients, addressing the most fundamental oral health matters. Therefore, they are often the first line of defense in maintaining good oral health. Some of the responsibilities of a general dentist include:

• Dental cleanings and check-ups
• Dental fillings
• Dental crowns
• Dental veneers
• Teeth whitening
• Diagnosing and treating oral health issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities

​What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Should They Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth are third molars, usually the last set of molars to develop in the back of an adult’s mouth. Wisdom teeth typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties, around age 16 to 25. They are usually four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth.

A dentist in 10708 will begin treating wisdom teeth when they become problematic. The third molars cause problems if they do not have enough room to come in properly. Therefore, the eruption process will be incomplete or introduce many issues. Some of the complications arising include:

1. Impaction – occurs when a wisdom tooth is unable to emerge from the gum line properly, remaining fully or partially stuck underneath. Impacted wisdom teeth usually result in pain, infection, swelling, and damage to surrounding teeth.
2. Infection – problematic wisdom teeth are prone to bacterial infections like periodontal disease, cavities, and tooth decay. For example, a partial eruption can encourage buildup and trap food and bacteria under the gum folds and teeth, leading to bacterial infections.
3. Overcrowding – teeth barely align well when there is limited space in the jawbone. Therefore, when wisdom teeth begin to erupt, patients experience advanced overcrowding. It further leads to orthodontic complications like improper or uneven bites and crooked teeth. Over time, these problems will develop into conditions like decay, bad breath, poor oral hygiene, tartar buildup, gum recession, and jaw pain, among other problems.

Technically, not all wisdom teeth require extraction. A dentist near you must first evaluate your oral cavity to determine the need for extraction on a case-by-case basis. All dentists at Bronxville Dentistry agree that wisdom teeth may need extraction if they are causing problems or have the potential to cause problems in the future.

​Can General Dentists Remove Wisdom Teeth?

​General dentistry in Bronxville can sometimes be the one-stop office for treating infected or problematic wisdom teeth. Usually, general dentists near you perform simple wisdom teeth extractions while the more complex cases require the expertise of an oral surgeon. The complexity or simplicity of extracting teeth depends on a variety of factors, including:

1. Position of the tooth in the mouth – if the tooth is fully erupted and has a straight root, it can be easier to extract than a tooth that is partially or fully impacted.
2. Shape and size of the tooth – some teeth have multiple roots or curved roots, making them more difficult to extract than those with a single straight root. Larger teeth may also require more effort to remove.
3. Gum and bone health – the gums and surrounding bone impact the ease of extraction. An inflamed or infected tissue makes the extraction more difficult.
4. Age and overall health – younger patients generally have easier-to-extract teeth, while older patients may have more brittle teeth or bone loss that can make the extraction process more challenging.
5. Anatomical factors such as a small mouth or a high-lying nerve may make tooth extraction more difficult.

How General Dentists Remove Wisdom Teeth

First, your general dentist determines that your wisdom teeth need extraction. It can only happen after a comprehensive dental exam, often including taking X-rays alongside physical and visual tests.

After the tests, your dentist may then schedule an extraction appointment. If you are to undergo a tooth extraction, some mandatory crucial steps entail local anesthesia that numbs your mouth. Dentists further employ sedation dentistry to minimize and eliminate anxiety and discomfort during wisdom tooth extraction.

The dentist will carefully remove the wisdom teeth through a simple extraction. It entails rocking the tooth back and forth, loosening the jawbone’s grip on the tooth.

However, simple tooth extractions do not always work for problematic wisdom teeth. Therefore, the dentist may resolve for a surgical extraction. In several occurrences, general dentists will refer surgical extractions to oral surgeons. It is more specifically for more complex extractions or if the dentist feels that you would benefit from the expertise of a specialist.