Can a Dentist Remove Wisdom Teeth in Preston? What You Need to Know

If your dentist has told you that your wisdom teeth might have to come out, you might be wondering: Can a dentist remove wisdom teeth? The short answer is: yes, in many cases, your dentist can handle the extraction. But it also depends on how your wisdom teeth are growing, whether they’re impacted, and how complicated the case is. In this blog, we’ll explain the difference between a regular dentist vs a specialist, what you should check, how to make good decisions, and what to expect.

What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why Do They Need Removal?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars at the back of your mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. For some people, they come in normally and cause no trouble. But for many, there’s not enough space in the jaw, or the tooth grows at an awkward angle, or it becomes impacted (stuck under gum or bone).

 When wisdom teeth are mispositioned or hard to clean, they can lead to decay, gum disease, infection, or pain. That’s why dentists often recommend removal even if you’re not in pain yet. 

 So if you’re asking, “can a dentist remove wisdom teeth?” the first step is to understand how yours are growing and whether they pose a risk.

General Dentist vs Oral Surgeon: What’s the Difference?

When you ask whether a dentist can remove wisdom teeth, it really means: Can your general dentist do it safely or do you need an oral surgeon (specialist)? Here are some key differences.

• General dentist: They are trained to remove teeth and can often handle extractions of wisdom teeth that are fully erupted (visible) and straightforward. 
• Oral surgeon (specialist): They have extra years of training in the surgical removal of teeth that are impacted, under bone, in complex positions, near nerves, or when sedation is needed.
•  So the answer to “can a dentist remove wisdom teeth” is sometimes “yes”, but other times you’ll need a referral for more complex care.

When Your Dentist Can Remove Them

In many cases your dentist is perfectly capable of removing your wisdom teeth. For example:

• The tooth is visible (erupted) and easy to access
• The roots are straightforward and not too deep in the jaw
• The patient is healthy and there are no complicating medical risks
• Minimal risk of nerve damage or surgical complications
  When those conditions are met, your dentist can often perform the removal in their own clinic safely, with local anaesthetic and follow-up care.
•  That means you might not need a separate specialist visit if your case is simple.

When You Might Need a Specialist (Oral Surgeon)

There are certain situations where your dentist may suggest you go to an oral surgeon instead. Some of these include:

• The wisdom tooth is impacted (stuck under bone or gum).
• The roots are curved, very deep, or close to a nerve or sinus cavity.
• The tooth will require bone removal, sectioning, or involve surgical complexity.
• You need sedation or general anesthesia rather than just a local anesthetic.
• You have health issues that make surgery higher risk (bleeding disorder, immune issues, etc).
  In those cases, your dentist will refer you to a specialist to ensure safety and the best outcome.

How to Choose the Right Dentist for Wisdom Tooth Removal in Preston

If you’re deciding who should remove your wisdom teeth, your regular dentist or a specialist here are some questions and checks you should consider:

• Ask how many wisdom-tooth extractions the dentist does each month.
• Check whether the clinic shows before & after or case studies of wisdom-tooth removal.
• Ask what kinds of anesthesia they use (local only? Sedation?).
• Ask what happens if the extraction is more complicated than expected will you be referred?
• Visit the clinic and observe its hygiene, staff, and environment. Does it feel comfortable?
  At our clinic, Lifestyle Dental in Preston, we handle many general dentistry cases and referrals for oral surgery, so you get both options depending on your need.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Whether your regular dentist or an oral surgeon removes your wisdom tooth, here’s a simple outline of how it typically goes:

• You’ll meet for a consultation, including X-rays, to check how the wisdom teeth are positioned.
• On the procedure day the area is numbed (local anesthetic) or you may be sedated.
• If the tooth is easy, the dentist removes it; if hard, they may cut the gum or bone and remove it in pieces.
• After removal, you’ll have gauze, instructions on care, and maybe stitches.
• You’ll be advised on diet (soft foods first), avoiding straws, smoking, or heavy exercise for a day or two.
•  Understanding how the process works helps you feel more prepared.

Recovery and Aftercare What You Should Know

After removal, there are things you should do to heal well and reduce the risk of complications:

• Keep your head elevated and avoid heavy lifting or sudden movements for at least 24 hours.
• Eat soft foods, soups, yoghurts, and mashed potatoes. Avoid hard crunchy food for a few days.
• Don’t use a straw for the first day or two. Sucking may dislodge the blood clot and cause a dry socket (painful delay in healing).
• Keep the area clean, but gentle. Rinse with salt water as your dentist instructs.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least 48 hours because they delay healing and raise risk of infection.
• Watch for any signs of trouble: too much bleeding, increasing pain after day 2, swelling that gets worse instead of better, or numbness. If you notice any of these, call your dentist.
  These tips help you recover faster and with fewer risks.

Mistakes to Avoid When Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed

Here are common errors to watch out for avoiding them helps your experience go smoother:

• Waiting too long when you have pain or swelling. The longer the problem persists, the more complicated the case may become.
• Not getting X-rays or consultation to assess impaction. Early removal often means easier surgery. 

• Picking a dentist who says casually “I can remove every wisdom tooth” without checking each case’s complexity.
• Ignoring instructions after surgery (like using straws, smoking, heavy activity) which can lead to complications like dry socket.
• Focusing only on cost instead of skill and experience. A more experienced dentist or specialist may cost more but your health and recovery matter.
  By knowing these, you’ll approach the procedure with confidence.

How We Can Help at Lifestyle Dental

If you live in or near Preston, you’ll find that at our clinic Lifestyle Dental we offer comprehensive care that includes general dentistry, oral surgery referrals and full support for wisdom teeth removal. Our team can assess your situation and help you decide whether we can perform the extraction in-clinic or refer you to a specialist, such as through our oral surgery dentists page.
We also provide services like dental implants and crowns dentists so if your wisdom-tooth removal impacts other teeth, we can help with that too. We believe in safe, transparent care and helping you feel comfortable every step of the way.

Ready to Discuss Your Wisdom Teeth Options?

If you’re wondering whether your wisdom teeth need removal, or want to discuss whether your dentist can handle it, or if you need a specialist, we’re here to help. Visit our contact page at Lifestyle Dental and schedule a consultation. We’ll review your X-rays, talk through your options, and build a plan that’s right for you. Your comfort and oral health come first.

FAQs

Q: Can a dentist remove wisdom teeth that are impacted?
A: Sometimes yes, but only if the dentist has experience with the specific type of impaction. Often impacted wisdom teeth (stuck under bone or next to nerve) are best handled by an oral surgeon. 

Q: Will it hurt when my dentist removes wisdom teeth?
A: You’ll have anesthesia so you should feel little to no pain during the procedure. Afterward, you might have soreness or swelling for a few days, but your dentist will give you instructions to manage that.

Q: How long does it take to recover from wisdom tooth removal?
A: Most people feel much better after 2-3 days. Full healing takes a few weeks. If the extraction was simple, you’ll bounce back faster. If it was surgical and complex, healing takes longer. 

Q: Should I always go to an oral surgeon instead of a dentist for wisdom teeth?
A: Not always. If your teeth are easy to access, fully erupted, and you’re healthy, a dentist may handle it safely. The key is how complex the case is and how much experience your dentist has. 

Q: What risks are there with wisdom tooth removal?
A: Risks include infection, dry socket (where the blood clot is lost too early), nerve damage (rare), swelling, pain and longer healing if the extraction is complex. Good care from the dentist and following after-care instructions reduce these risks. 

Final Thoughts

So, can a dentist remove wisdom teeth? The answer: yes in many straightforward cases your general dentist is capable of doing it. But when your wisdom teeth are impacted, mis-positioned, or close to critical structures like nerves, an oral surgeon may be the safer choice.

The best path is to have a consultation, let your dentist review your case, ask the right questions and pick a practitioner you trust.

At Lifestyle Dental, we’re committed to helping you make that choice with confidence. Whether you need a standard extraction or more complex care, we’re here to guide you safely toward a healthier smile.