Tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth for a number of reasons, like dental trauma, periodontal disease, or dental crowding. Most often, the process is straightforward and the extraction is performed quickly and the patient is awake. In most cases, a local anesthetic injection is all that is needed. Some cases the extraction are more complicated and require surgery. Thus, there are two procedures for removing teeth: a simple extraction and a surgical extraction.
Extractions are often categorized as “simple” or “surgical”.
A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that is visible in the mouth and has roots that are shaped for easy removal. Also, simple extractions do not need an oral surgeon and is generally a routine procedure. Your dentist will offer an assessment if your tooth extraction is simple or requires surgery.
In a simple extraction, the dentist loosens the tooth with an instrument called an elevator. Then the dentist uses an instrument, called forceps, to remove the tooth. Typically when teeth are removed with forceps a slow & steady pressure is applied with controlled force. To some this may be uncomfortable. At SmileUp Dentistry we have everything you need to make sure your experience is as comfortable as possible.
A surgical extraction is a more complex procedure. It is used if a tooth may have broken off at the gum line or has not come into the mouth yet, or the tooth does not grow straight. Surgical extractions are commonly done by oral surgeons, however, they can be done by general dentists in some circumstances. In a surgical extraction, the dentist makes a small incision into your gum. In some cases, it’s necessary to remove some of the bone around the tooth or to cut the tooth in half in order to extract it.
After your extraction you should be aware of the Do’s and Don’ts of what you need to do to heal. Your dentist will give you detailed instructions on how to care for your oral health after you have your extraction.
In both cases, SmileUp Dentistry has you covered. If you need to schedule an appointment contact us and we can make an assessment if you need an extraction.