Choosing Between a General Dentist and an Oral Surgeon for Tooth Extractions Before Dentures

michaelgrishindent
2 days ago
4 min read

Two healthcare professionals in scrubs; one wearing a mask, the other arms crossed. Background shows surgical lights, creating a focused mood.

When patients begin researching dentures near me, dentures Spokane, or a trusted Spokane denture clinic, one of the first questions they ask is who should remove their teeth before dentures are made. Tooth extractions are a critical step in the denture process, and choosing the right provider directly affects healing, comfort, and long-term denture fit.

At Grishin Denture Specialist, we guide patients throughout Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake through every phase of treatment—from extractions to final denture delivery. Both general dentists and oral surgeons can perform extractions, but the right choice depends on complexity, medical history, and the type of dentures being planned.

Patients comparing affordable dentures Spokane options or searching for a denture clinic near me should ensure their provider coordinates closely with dentists and oral surgeons, especially when evaluating denture clinics Spokane WA for extraction planning and long-term fit.

When a General Dentist Can Perform Extractions

A general dentist is fully qualified to perform many routine tooth extractions, especially when teeth are visible, mobile, and uncomplicated. These procedures are typically completed under local anesthesia and are often coordinated for patients preparing for dentures in Spokane.

General dentists are commonly appropriate when:

Teeth are not impacted or fractured below the gumline
Root structures are straightforward
No advanced infection or bone abnormality is present
The patient’s medical history does not increase surgical risk
Extractions are planned in coordination with immediate dentures

When extractions are handled at this level, collaboration with a denturist Spokane patients trust is essential. Proper coordination ensures gum contours and bone edges heal in a way that supports stable Spokane dentures rather than creating pressure points or long-term soreness.

When an Oral Surgeon Is the Better Choice

Some cases require advanced surgical skill. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to manage complex extractions involving bone, impacted teeth, and medically sensitive patients.

An oral surgeon is typically recommended when:

Teeth are impacted, broken, or fused to the jawbone
Multiple teeth must be removed in one visit
Bone contouring or ridge reshaping is required
IV sedation or general anesthesia is necessary
Implant-supported dentures are being planned

For complex cases, we regularly coordinate care with Dr. Chad P. Collins, DMD, a highly respected oral surgeon at The Center for Oral Surgery in Spokane. His precise surgical approach helps ensure extraction sites heal smoothly and predictably, creating an ideal foundation for well-fitting dentures.

Why Coordination Between Surgeon and Denturist Matters

Dentures function best when extractions and fabrication are planned together. When surgical care and denture design are coordinated from the start, patients experience fewer complications and better long-term comfort.

This coordinated approach allows us to:

Shape bone and gum tissue to support denture stability
Time impressions accurately during healing
Prepare in advance for getting immediate dentures the same day teeth are removed when appropriate
Schedule relines and adjustments as tissues remodel

This prevents common problems such as rocking, soreness, and over-reliance on adhesive—issues frequently seen when care is rushed or poorly coordinated.

Immediate Dentures vs. Waiting for Healing

After extractions, patients typically choose between immediate and conventional dentures.

Immediate dentures are placed the same day teeth are removed, allowing patients to maintain appearance and function during healing. They help protect surgical sites and preserve facial contours, though a reline is usually needed as the gums and bone shrink.

Conventional dentures are made after healing—usually 8–12 weeks post-extraction—allowing for a more stable long-term fit but requiring a waiting period.

Both options can be successful, and the right choice depends on healing ability, lifestyle, and personal preference.

Why Traditional Impressions Matter After Extractions

Following extractions, gum shape changes rapidly. Capturing those contours accurately is critical. While some clinics rely heavily on digital workflows, we continue to use traditional alginate impressions because they provide superior control and definition—especially during healing.

Through hands-on craftsmanship, articulator-based bite analysis, and in-house fabrication, we create affordable dentures Spokane patients rely on for comfort and stability. This traditional approach consistently outperforms digital shortcuts when precision truly matters.

Healing and Aftercare After Extractions

Healing generally takes 6–12 weeks depending on the number of extractions and individual health factors. During this period, patients should follow all post-extraction instructions, avoid smoking, eat soft foods, and attend follow-up visits.

As tissues remodel, timely relines and adjustments help maintain a secure, natural feel—reducing irritation and improving confidence during daily activities. Patients who notice looseness during healing sometimes compensate with excess adhesive, which is why understanding the risks outlined in denture adhesives: help or harm? is an important part of long-term denture success.

Conclusion

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Tooth extractions before dentures can be performed by either a general dentist or an oral surgeon, and choosing the right provider is especially important for patients searching affordable dentures Spokane, denture clinic near me, or evaluating denture clinics Spokane WA for safe, predictable results.

At Grishin Denture Specialist, we help patients across Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Deer Park, and Liberty Lake navigate every step of this process with clarity and confidence. By coordinating care with trusted providers such as Dr. Chad P. Collins, DMD, we ensure the foundation for your dentures is prepared correctly from the start.

If you are exploring dentures Spokane, dentures Spokane WA, or searching for a reliable denturist near me, choosing a Spokane denture clinic that prioritizes planning, communication, and traditional craftsmanship makes all the difference. When dentures fit comfortably and function naturally, it’s not coincidence—it’s coordinated care done right.

For practical guidance on how food choices can strengthen muscle control and improve bite confidence with dentures, see our article The Denture Stability Diet: Foods That Improve Muscle Control and Bite Confidence.

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