What is a Simple Extraction?
There are two types of dental extractions which can be performed. This includes simple and surgical. Simple dental extractions are used when the tooth which is being removed is easily accessible and visible above the gumline. Surgical dental extractions are typically used for teeth which are not easily accessible. In order to access the tooth in a surgical extraction, the dentist often must make an incision in the gums.
Simple Dental Extraction
During a simple dental extraction procedure, the dentist removes a visible tooth. General dentists commonly complete this type of extraction in this office using a local anesthetic. Anesthetic works by numbing the extraction site and ensuring patients remain comfortable during the procedure.
Dental instruments which are commonly used for a simple extraction include an elevator and dental forceps. The dentist is able to use these tools to elevate the tooth and use forceps to grasp the crown when removing the tooth.
By moving the tooth back and forth, the dentist can break the periodontal ligament. This loosens the tooth from the alveolar bone, allowing for it to be removed. During the extraction, use dental forceps allow the dental professional to use steady pressure with a controlled amount of force.
Surgical Dental Extraction
Another type of extraction is a surgical dental extraction. This procedure is used to remove teeth that are not easily accessible. The tooth may be partially or fully impacted or fractured below the gum line.
When this occurs, the dentist will make an incision into the connective tissue which surrounds the tooth. This exposes the tooth and makes it accessible. In many cases, the tooth is fragmented into several pieces during a surgical dental extraction, which makes it easier to remove.
Surgical dental extractions are generally more complex and result in higher levels of pain. As a result, a general anesthetic is often used. An oral surgeon may also complete the procedure in a hospital setting. General dentists may also be able to complete the procedure.
Complications
It is ideal to preserve the natural tooth, however, sometimes the tooth is damaged, decayed, or overcrowded and needs to be extracted. Some of the most common types of complications associated with an extraction can include pain, infection, and inflammation. Below are additional complications which can occur:
- Dry sockets which are caused by the early loss of a blood clot which forms following the extraction.
- Certain types of medications can also result in delayed healing. To minimize the risk for complications, dentists may suggest temporarily stopping a medication prior to the extraction.
- Secondary bone death can occur when patients have undergone radiation treatment, specifically in the neck or head area.
- Patients may also experience tooth movement or misalignment following an extraction. This can impact the patient’s bite or cause damage to the natural teeth.
- There can also be a collapse of bite or loss of vertical dimension of occlusion, resulting in chronically dry lips and a possible change in the muscles used for chewing.
Dentists typically prefer simple tooth extractions as the procedure is simpler and has a lower risk for complications compared to surgical tooth extractions. There is not typically a choice between the two extractions as the dentist will complete a simple extraction when the tooth is accessible and a surgical extraction when the tooth is not easy to access.
Patients who need an extraction should contact the office today. The dentist can examine the affected tooth to determine if a simple or surgical extraction is needed.