Is it necessary to see an oral surgeon to extract a wisdom tooth or can a regula!

Is it necessary to see an oral surgeon to extract a wisdom tooth or can a regular dentist do it?

Got a wisdom tooth with gaping cavity, starting to cause pain. Thing is I do not have insurance, so looking for affordable options BUT am super duper scared of pain...can regular dentists knock you out? Any clues on average cost of all of this (US)? Thanks in advance!

You can visit a regular dentist, they will screen you and tell you if they are able to remove the tooth or not. An X-ray will be needed to properly examine the tooth. If the tooth is fully erupted, isn't angled funny, and isn't located close to any major nerves, the odds are a general dentist can extract it. The great majority of general dentists don't put you to sleep, and if you are looking for something affordable, conscious sedation can be expensive. You can expect local anesthetic to adequately numb the tooth but you will still feel a deep pressure no matter how numb you are. If you are nervous, you can ask for Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) to help you relax. I belive most private dentists have an additional charge for this. Do realize the risk of infection if you do not have the tooth extracted - it is much better to just get it over with. I don't know you're area but you can expect the extraction to cost between $225-350 for everything, but don't hold me to that - may be less, may be more.