What are the three hardest teeth for general dentists to remove
not including third molars?
Why are they hard for GPs and not for oral surgeons? Because oral surgeons use methods that mitigate complication-causing outcomes, like tooth/bone fractures or taking too long. GPs could easily learn these methods too — but instead, many of them tolerate the collateral damage or patient displeasure with a prolonged case. Surgery could be easier.
The three difficult teeth are
1) Canines, 2) Maxillary 1st molars, and 3) Maxillary 1st
Premolars – especially as patient age increases.
Other teeth can be difficult too such as lower molars, but the same methods used on the BIG THREE can be transferred to any molar when divided into component parts (individual roots).
Of course, general dentists should refer cases outside their comfort zones or where they anticipate complications they can’t avoid or manage. Appropriate patient selection is key.
But who says a comfort zone can’t grow incrementally with more knowledge about instrumentation and techniques?
Be in command of the basics: It starts with knowing how to do the most fundamental things, such as 1) incisions, 2) reflecting the right kind of flap for the situation to provide access
and visibility, 3) avoiding excessive force, 4) how to section teeth, 5) how and where to remove bone, and 6) which instruments and how to use them.
With this basic knowledge, other things more easily fall into place. These are things taught in all KCSI courses, like Continuum 1 with
models in July.
Progress later to Continuum 3 with patient treatment and then Continuum 4.
