Different Types of Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure where a dentist removes a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. While it may seem intimidating, these procedures are often necessary to maintain oral health and prevent further complications. Here are the two types of tooth extractions that dentists use to improve your smile and overall health.

Simple extractions

Simple extractions involve removing teeth that are visible in the patient's mouth. Common reasons for performing a simple tooth extraction are teeth that have suffered trauma, overcrowding, or deterioration. Simple extractions may also be needed to remove a baby tooth that has not fallen out.

The general dentist will start the procedure by administering a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area to ensure patient comfort. Then, they will use special dental instruments to elevate the affected tooth and grasp the visible portion of the tooth. These instruments may include an elevator and dental forceps. The elevator loosens the tooth while the forceps grasp it to remove it from the socket.

Surgical dental extraction

Surgical dental extraction occurs when the tooth that needs removal is not easily accessible inside the patient's mouth. This may be because the tooth has not erupted through the gum line or is fractured under the gum line. The most common reason for surgical tooth extraction is wisdom tooth removal.

Unlike a simple tooth extraction, this type requires an incision into the connective tissue surrounding the tooth to gain access to it. During the extraction procedure, a drill or osteotome may be needed to remove some of the nearby jawbone and the soft tissues covering the tooth. In many cases of surgical dental extraction, the dentist may need to break the tooth into several pieces to remove it. Due to the complex nature of surgical extractions, the patient will typically need to be under general anesthesia or sedation. They may also need to take antibiotics before the procedure to prevent postoperative infection.

Possible risks of dental extraction

As previously mentioned, both types of tooth extraction help reduce the overall risk of oral health complications, such as infection, discomfort, and inflammation. However, there are also health risks to be aware of before going into the procedure. These complications may include:

• Infection at the extraction site
• Nerve damage
• Damage to other teeth, dental crowns, or fillings
• Bruising, swelling, or pain at the extraction site
• Severe pain after the procedure
• Allergic reactions to the anesthesia or other medications taken after the procedure
• Prolonged bleeding
• Dry socket

Following a dental extraction, blood pools and clots in the surgical site, which allows the remaining gum and bone to heal. Dry socket occurs when the clot falls out of the socket before the healing is complete (within days of the procedure). This condition exposes nerves and bone, causing pain and bad breath. Dry sockets are considered dental emergencies.

Choosing the extraction process

The dentist examines the patient's teeth and uses X-rays to help determine the most effective way to remove the tooth. They also consider the patient's comfort level and personal preferences. Considering these factors, the dentist can recommend the right course of action based on each patient's unique needs.