Can a General Dentist Perform Tooth Extractions? Your Friendly, Complete Guide to Scope, Referrals & What to Expect

Have you ever sat in the dentist’s chair, feeling that familiar worry, and wondered, “Can my regular dentist really pull this tooth, or do I need to see a specialist?” Lots of people have this question—and you’re definitely not alone if you feel nervous about extractions. In fact, it’s one of the biggest worries that patients mention when they visit the dentist. Let’s clear things up right away: Yes, most general dentists are trained and able to do many tooth extractions. But there’s a bit more to the story, with important details about when you might need a specialist. If you want clear answers and help for your situation, you’re in the right place.

In This Article: What We’ll Cover

• What Tooth Extractions Are and Why They’re Done
• What Kinds of Tooth Extractions General Dentists Can Do
• When You’ll Need a Referral to an Oral Surgeon
• How Dentists Decide Who Should Handle Your Extraction
• What to Expect During an Extraction (Step-By-Step)
• Recovery, Risks, and How to Heal Well
• How to Decide: Should You See Your Dentist or a Specialist?
• Key Takeaways and Next Steps

The Question: “Can My General Dentist Do Extractions?”—And Why It’s Normal to Ask

Imagine you might need a tooth pulled. Maybe your tooth is really decayed, infected, or just causing a lot of pain. You’re probably thinking:

• Can I trust my regular dentist to do this safely?
• Will I have to see an oral surgeon (which sounds scary)?
• What’s the difference—does it matter for me?

This is a very normal worry, not just because extractions sound scary, but also because there isn’t always clear info out there. Some people feel awkward asking, but you shouldn’t! It’s your health. You deserve clear answers, honest advice, and to feel good about your care.

What’s Really Going On? The Easy Science of Tooth Extractions (and Who Does Them)

Let’s make it simple. Tooth extraction, or exodontia, is just removing a tooth from its spot in the jaw (that little bony nest it sits in). Dentists do this for lots of reasons—maybe the tooth is too broken down because of a cavity, has come loose from gum problems, or is simply in the way (like some wisdom teeth).

Now, here’s what matters: There are two main kinds of extractions: simple and surgical (or difficult) extractions.

Simple Extraction

• This is what most people think of: the dentist numbs your tooth and gums with a shot, loosens the tooth with careful moves, and gently pulls it out with special tools.
• Simple extractions are for teeth you can see in your mouth and that don’t have tricky roots or positions.
• It’s like unscrewing a tight jar lid after using a bit of oil—the tooth, if not stuck or broken, can often come out in one piece.

Surgical (Difficult) Extraction

• Some teeth aren’t that easy. Maybe they’re stuck under the gums (impacted), broken below the surface, or close to nerves or sinuses.
• In these cases, the dental team might need to cut the gum, take out a bit of bone, or split the tooth up before removing it.
• This is more like using a can opener for a stubborn, bent can, not just twisting a lid.

Who Does What?

General Dentists:

• Are taught to do most simple extractions and sometimes harder ones, depending on their training and comfort.
• Can pull many wisdom teeth, especially if they come in normally and aren’t stuck or oddly shaped.

Oral Surgeons:

• Are experts with extra years of special hospital-like training.
• Handle the really tough ones—think teeth deep under bone, teeth near important nerves, or people with special medical situations.

So, most extractions are done at your regular dentist’s office. Only about 10–15% of cases need a specialist.

What Kinds of Tooth Extractions Can My General Dentist Do?

Let’s talk about what your general dentist is both taught and allowed to do:

General Dentists Can Usually Pull:

• Teeth with big cavities that can’t be fixed with a filling or root canal.
• Teeth that are loose from gum problems (gum disease).
• Broken teeth, if the root isn’t really stuck or broken way below the gum.
• Baby teeth that won’t fall out on their own.
• Some wisdom teeth, if they’re all the way out and not stuck or close to nerves or sinuses.
• Teeth making things crowded, like before getting braces.

Fun fact: About 80–85% of all extractions each year are these “simple” kinds, handled by general dentists.

What’s Involved in a Simple Extraction?

• Numbing: Usually a shot to make it so you feel pressure, not pain.
• Loosening: The dentist gently moves the tooth to widen the bone around it.
• Removing: They use special pliers to ease the tooth out—often with quick, clear moves.
• Aftercare: You bite on gauze, follow home instructions, and feel fine again in a few days.

Dentists learn these steps in dental school and keep learning with newer courses. Every general dentist in the country learns safe tooth pulling as part of their job.

When Will I Need A Referral To An Oral Surgeon? (Understanding Difficult Extractions)

So, when does your dentist say, “I think you’d be better off with a specialist”? Usually, it’s about being safe and making sure you are well cared for.

Signs You’ll Be Sent to an Oral Surgeon

• Stuck teeth: Common with wisdom teeth trapped under gums or bone.
• Really broken teeth: Especially if some of the root is left behind or hard to reach.
• Odd root shapes or places: Some roots are long, bent, or joined, or close to your sinus or facial nerve.
• Medical risk issues: Bleeding problems, weak immune systems, or tricky medicine lists (like blood thinners).
• Need for deep sleep: Some extractions are so tough or long that sleeping through is the best way—oral surgeons are the ones who can do this.

Why refer at all?

It’s a bit like having a leaking pipe. If the leak is in front of you, a plumber fixes it. If it’s hidden behind walls or near power wires, you want a specialist with the best tools, right? It’s the same in dentistry. Good dentists know when to say “someone else should do this.”

For example: About 85–90% of stuck wisdom tooth cases go to oral surgeons—a sign of how focused these extractions can be.

A Note on Wisdom Teeth

Not all wisdom teeth need to come out. But when they do, your dentist will check:

• Is the tooth pretty easy to reach?
• Is it close to nerves or sinuses, or does it have twisted roots?
• How nervous or medically special are you?

For the easy cases, your dentist can take care of it. For tougher ones—they’ll send you to an oral surgeon.

How Dentists Decide Who Should Do Your Tooth Extraction

No two teeth or cases are exactly the same. How does your dentist know if they can handle things or should send you to a specialist?

The Checklist

• Tooth Shape and Location:
• How many roots? Are they straight, twisty, or joined?
• Is the tooth stuck under gum, or easy to reach?
• How close is it to main nerves, sinuses, or blood vessels?

• Your Health History:
• Are you on blood thinners?
• Do you have a heart problem, weak bone, or poor immune system?
• Trouble with bleeding or allergic to numbing shots?

• The Dentist’s Experience:
• Some dentists have done hundreds or thousands of extractions and feel fine with most cases. Others prefer to stick to easy ones.

• Tools and Comfort:
• Does the office offer the right numbing or sleep options?
• Does it have the right tools?

Dentists aren’t just taught how to pull teeth—they’re also taught to know when not to. That’s a big part of keeping you safe.

What to Expect: The Tooth Extraction Process from Start to Finish

Now that you know who might pull your tooth, let’s talk about what it’s actually like.

1. Before the Extraction

• Check-up and X-rays: Your dentist will gently look at your tooth and take X-rays to see its roots, place, and what’s nearby. If things seem hard, you might need a 3D scan.
• Health checks: They’ll ask about your health, medicines, and allergies.
• Talk: If it looks simple, they’ll tell you what to expect. If it looks tough, they’ll explain why a specialist is better.

2. Numbing and Relaxing

• Numbing shots are the main way for simple extractions.
• Some dentists might offer laughing gas or pills to help you relax if you’re nervous. Oral surgeons can offer stronger sleep (IV or general anesthesia) if it’s a big deal.

> Tip if you’re nervous: Tell your dentist. They have ways to help you feel calm and safe.

3. Pulling the Tooth: What Happens

• After numbing, the dentist uses a small tool (an elevator—think of it as a small lever) to gently wiggle the tooth.
• Then, with special pliers, they take the tooth out. You may feel push and pull, or hear sounds, but you shouldn’t hurt.
• Sometimes you need a stitch or two. These stitches usually go away by themselves.

4. After the Extraction

• Bite on gauze to stop the bleeding.
• Use an ice pack for any swelling.
• Take pain medicine (over the counter). Your dentist will say what’s best for you.
• Eat soft foods, avoid hot drinks, and don’t use straws or tobacco for a few days.
• Brush gently and follow all instructions closely.

Most people feel almost normal again in about a week.

5. What Can Go Wrong—And How to Prevent It

Most extractions are smooth, but here’s what to look for:

• Dry socket (when the area loses its blood clot): hurts a lot, usually a few days after the extraction. Avoid straws and don’t smoke.
• Infection: Not common, but signs include more swelling, pus, high fever, or pain that gets worse days later.

If things don’t feel right, don’t wait—call your dentist.

Your Options: What You Can Try at Home, and When You Need a Dentist

Maybe you’re having pain and hope to avoid pulling the tooth—or maybe you’re nervous and want an easy fix. Here are your choices:

At-Home Relief While Waiting

• Pain medicine: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help pain and swelling.
• Salt rinses: Comfort the area and help keep it clean.
• Cold packs: Put on your face for swelling.
• Good cleaning: Even if it hurts, gently clean your mouth.

But, here’s the truth—if the tooth really needs to come out, these tricks are just temporary.

Sometimes, Teeth Can Be Saved

Some teeth can be fixed by:

• Fillings or crowns: For not-too-deep cavities.
• Root canal: For deep cavities or infections. The dentist takes out the bad part, cleans inside, and seals the tooth.
• Gum treatments: For loose teeth due to gum disease.

When Extraction is Really Needed

• Infection is too far gone to fix.
• The tooth is cracked below the gum or split into parts.
• Really loose from gum problems or injury.
• Crowding your mouth (like for braces).
• Pain is very bad and non-stop.

What Can Be Done After Extraction?

Worried about having a gap? Don’t be—there are many ways to fill a missing tooth, like bridges, implants, or dentures. Learn more about restoration options and materials here.

Who’s a Good Fit for Extraction by a General Dentist?

Not sure where you fit in? Let’s clear up who’s usually fine at their family dentist’s office:

Good Candidates for General Dentist Extractions

• The tooth can be seen and isn’t stuck under gum or bone.
• The roots look average and not close to anything important.
• Your health is pretty simple (no big bleeding problems, weak bones, or immune issues).
• You’re okay with regular numbing and basic sedation.
• You trust your dentist and feel easy about their skills.

When to See a Specialist (Oral Surgeon)

• Your dentist says you should (always follow their advice).
• X-rays show your tooth has tricky roots or is near nerves/sinuses.
• You’re very, very anxious and want strong sedation.
• You have tough health issues and need close, hospital-like care.
• You’ve already tried a normal extraction but it didn’t work.

Remember—it’s not about who’s better. The goal is to be safe, comfortable, and heal quickly. Dentists and oral surgeons team up all the time.

Cost, Insurance, and What to Expect

Let’s be real: money and time are important, especially with dental care. Here’s the rundown:

• Normal extraction at a general dentist: $75–$300 per tooth (before insurance).
• Surgical or stuck tooth at a surgeon: $250–$800+ per tooth.
• Insurance: Most plans help cover both, with simple extractions usually covered well.
• Medicaid or low-cost plans: Most cover needed extractions—especially for pain or infection.
• Payment plans: A lot of dentists offer them—ask if you need help.
• Distance and time: Your dentist is usually closer and familiar, but if you need a surgeon, it’s about safety, not just being near home.

Choosing where to get care isn’t just about cost—it’s about picking the safest option for you.

Story Time: “Can My Family Dentist Really Pull My Tooth?”

Let’s keep it simple. Picture Sarah—a busy mom of three. She keeps up with her teeth but suddenly gets a bad toothache. Her X-ray shows a deep cavity, and her dentist suggests an extraction, reassuring her it’s a simple job. It’s done quickly, without pain, and Sarah is back to her day the same afternoon.

Michael, though, has a stuck, lower wisdom tooth that’s hurting his jaw. His X-ray shows it’s tangled with his jaw nerve. His dentist sends him to an oral surgeon who helps him sleep through the surgery. Michael feels safe knowing the specialist took care of it.

What’s the point? Both dentists did what was best for the patient—even if that sometimes means saying “someone else should do it.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tooth Extractions

Q: Does every general dentist do extractions?

Most do, especially the simple ones. Some might send all extractions to a specialist, though, based on what they like or how their office works.

Q: Will my extraction hurt?

With numbing, you should only feel pushes or pulls, not pain. Tell your dentist if you do feel pain—they have ways to make you comfortable.

Q: How can I avoid needing an extraction?

Brush and floss daily, get regular check-ups, and treat small problems early.

Q: What happens after the tooth is out?

You’ll get care tips, and your dentist will show options to fill the gap—like a bridge, denture, or implant. (Interested in dentures? Find out more here.)

Q: Do I need antibiotics or medicine?

Not everyone does. Your dentist will tell you if you need them based on infection or health issues.

Your Healthy Takeaway: Steps for a Confident, Comfortable Extraction

Let’s sum it up:

• Yes, most general dentists take out teeth—and do it safely and comfortably for most people.
• Oral surgeons step in when it’s safer: tricky teeth, odd root shapes, or certain health needs.
• Good communication matters: Tell your dentist about your pain, health, and worries. No question is too simple!
• Aftercare is important: Do exactly what your dentist says, so you heal fast and easy.
• There are great, natural-looking ways to fill any gap after an extraction. Modern dentistry gives you more choices than ever.

Taking Action: How to Feel in Control of Your Dental Care

If you’re going to have a tooth out, here’s what you can do now:

• Write down questions for your dentist.
• Ask what kind of extraction you’ll have—easy or tough? Who’s pulling it?
• Be open about your fears, pain, and health.
• It’s okay to get a second opinion if you’re unsure.
• Follow every aftercare step your dentist gives you!

Your dentist wants the best for you. Whether your general dentist or a surgeon takes out your tooth, their goal is the same: a pain-free, healthy mouth and a happy you.

Want more help for what’s next? Check out our practical guide here.

You deserve clear info, comfort, and control over your care—and now you’ve got the guide you need.