You may be feeling a little nervous about getting your wisdom teeth removed but it is a reasonably standard procedure. These days, most people need to have their wisdom teeth removed at some point. At The Dental Family Beaumaris, we have Dr Vincent who has special skills to remove wisdom teeth safely and successfully under local anaesthetic without needing to go to the hospital.
In this article, we answer the question: can a general dentist remove wisdom teeth?
What is a general dentist?
General dentists are the most common type of dentist, they’re the people you go to for a check-up and professional clean. But they are actually trained to perform a large range of diagnostic and preventative oral procedures. Most general dentists decide on the services they want to offer based on their areas of interest and training. This may include a combination of restorative, cosmetic and preventive dentistry.
Can a general dentist remove wisdom teeth?
Yes, wisdom teeth removal falls under the training of a general dentist. Many wisdom teeth extractions only require a local anaesthetic. This means they can be performed by a general dentist at their daytime clinic. Some general dentists have the necessary special skills to remove complex wisdom teeth under local anaesthetic too. We’re lucky to have Dr Vincent at The Dental Family Beaumaris, who possesses these skills. This saves many of our wisdom teeth patients from having to undergo surgery in a hospital at additional costs.
If you are experiencing problems with your wisdom teeth (usually between the ages of 17 and 21) you should see a general dentist first. They can assess the situation and make treatment recommendations. Some people never develop wisdom teeth and others don’t have to have them removed. Every patient is different, which is why it’s best to keep up with regular dental visits so your dentist can monitor your wisdom teeth over time.
What happens during a wisdom teeth extraction?
During a routine wisdom teeth removal procedure your general dentist uses a local anaesthetic to numb the area. During the procedure they:
- Make a small incision in the gum to expose the tooth and bone
- Remove any bone that is blocking access to the tooth’s root
- If necessary, they divide the tooth into sections (this makes it easier to remove)
- Remove the tooth
- Clean the removal site to make sure it’s clear of any debris
- If necessary, they stitch up the area
- Place some gauze cover the site to control any bleeding
The recovery time for a routine wisdom tooth removal is usually three to four days. You may experience some swelling and discomfort during those days. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Any bleeding or bruising should subside within a few days.
What other procedures can a general dentist do?
General dentists are trained to perform over 100 different procedures. Most general dentists decide which treatments they’d like to offer at their clinics. These procedures and treatments may include:
- Gum care
- Dental bonding
- Dental crowns
- Dental veneers
- Root canal treatment
- Tooth extraction
- Teeth whitening
- Dental bridges
- Cavity filling
- Dental implants
- Treatment for TMJ disorder
- Dentures
- Professional mouthguards
The Dental Family is here to help
If your wisdom teeth are causing you pain, it’s best to consult your general dentist. At The Dental Family Beaumaris, we take great care in treating all our patients. We can assess the area, take x-rays and recommend a course of action. Give us a call to learn more or to book in with one of our general dentists.
