I have a cavity in a top wisdom tooth. Can my dentist pull it or do I need to see an oral surgeon?

My dentist said i needed to see an oral surgeon to have my top wisdom tooth pulled because it has a bad cavity(not because its impacted).He also said it had 3 roots with one growing off to the side, I had then mentioned in the conversation that I did not want to be sedated intravaneously just local or laughing gas. He then said well then I can probably pull it, but it may take me about 5-10 minutes longer than an oral surgeon. Do I need to pay the extra 30-40% to have an oral surgeon do it or can a dentist usually do the job just fine?

I have a cavity in a top wisdom tooth. Can my dentist pull it or do I need to see an oral surgeon?
Most upper wisdom teeth are easy to remove. They generally have short roots that often fuse together. If you already have a cavity in it then it must be thru the gum.


For whatever reason your dentist is not comfortable with removing them, I think I'd take his suggestion and either see another dentist who "likes" to extract wizzies, or an oral surgeon. I am concerned that he feels that he can only "probably" remove it. What if he can't?


There is really only 1 risk with upper wizzy removal - sometimes the bone behind the tooth (tuberosity) can fracture off. There's nothing much can be done to prevent it - if it's going to happen, then it just happens, be it dentist or surgeon. This means a bigger defect to heal, and it takes a bit longer.
Reply:My dentist pulled mine. However, if your dentist says you need to see a surgeon, see a surgeon!
Reply:oral surgeon will be the best choice... get it done and over with once... :) there will be pain but it lasted only few days... at least you don't have see the dentist whenever u are i pain.. btw oral surgeon can be claimed under CPF (me done it!) it is to a big percentage :) dentist always telling you the opposite as he wants more money from each visit of yours... :)
Reply:Your dentist can probably pull it.
Reply:Most dentist don't pull teeth anymore. I still have one of my wisdom teeth and it had a cavity I had it filled, he still tells me I should have it pulled but hey, it doesn't hurt or do anything in there it's staying.
Reply:your dentist can only practice general dentistry. He can give you a local and pull it out, but if a problem arises where you need surgery you will be taken to an emergency room. An orthodontist can easily remove this tooth and it will probably be less painful.
Reply:I remove wisdom teeth all the time and I am a general dentist. A few years ago, the almost the only time I referred a patient to the oral surgeon was if they wanted general anesthesia. It sounds like your dentist is being honest with you about his abilities and, if you are comfortable with that, go ahead and let him do it.