Different Types of Tooth Extractions: Simple vs. Surgical Procedures

Teeth are vital since they perform several key functions, such as speech, chewing, and maintaining facial structure. So, when you are scheduled for a tooth extraction, always know that your oral health is in jeopardy, and extracting the tooth is your only option.

About Tooth Extractions

Tooth extractions have been performed for a long time and are a common procedure involving removing damaged or sometimes whole teeth. Since dental technology has evolved, the process is comfortable and painless, performed under local and general anesthesia and intravenously administered anesthesia.

So, our dentist in 77539 will recommend you undergo a tooth extraction if you have the following:

• Damaged teeth due to decay or trauma
• An infected tooth that a root canal cannot salvage
• Gum infections that affect your teeth’s structural integrity
• Impacted teeth
• Extra teeth that hinder other teeth from erupting
• Overcrowded teeth and you need to get orthodontic treatment

How Is a Tooth Extraction Carried Out?

Irrespective of the type of tooth you need to get pulled, our dentist will only apply one of the two types of extractions:

• Simple Extraction

A simple extraction is a straightforward procedure our dentist performs when the teeth that need extraction are visible or above the gum line. Simple extractions are the best way to go when you have severe tooth decay or overcrowded teeth.

It is a relatively fast procedure that takes about 15 minutes to complete. Our dentist will begin by numbing the site. It will take a few moments before the anesthesia kicks in. Once it kicks in, our dentist will use an elevator and forceps to remove your tooth.

You will not be in any pain; however, as our dentist pulls the tooth, you will feel pressure and movement.

• Surgical Extraction

A surgical extraction, on the other hand, is not as straightforward as simple extractions. Therefore, you can expect it to take longer to complete. When the tooth is not visible, i.e., it is below the gum line, a surgical extraction becomes the best course of action. They are performed when you have impacted teeth, remnants of a tooth that broke off, and fragments of a tooth that remained under the gum line after a simple tooth extraction.

So, our dentist has to use digital imaging techniques such as digital X-rays to get a clear picture of the tooth underneath the gums. If the scan reveals that a tooth has not erupted or partially come through, our dentist will proceed with the surgical extraction.

It is performed under local anesthesia to ensure that the procedure is pain-free. After the drug kicks in, our dentist will commence by making a small incision in your gums to access the tooth and roots.

Our dentist will then use forceps to remove the tooth. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to cut the tooth into smaller pieces to make the extraction much easier.

Tooth Extraction Complications

Dental technology is miles ahead of when dentistry took shape. However, this doesn’t mean that you will not meet bumps on the road. It is quite possible to have a successful procedure but a difficult healing process due to complications. But like any other medical procedure, there are always risks and, at times, complications.
Some of the complications associated with extractions are:

Bleeding

After surgery, there is always a certain amount of bleeding within the normal range. It is common for oozing, minor bleeding, or even a reddish hue in your saliva.

However, there is post-extraction bleeding that might occur from bone bleeding or soft tissue bleeding. Bleeding might exceed normal expectations.

Swelling and Inflammation

Just like bleeding, swelling is a part of the healing process. It happens because your body is responding to the trauma. A simple tooth extraction will cause minor swelling; you can expect significant swelling when undergoing surgical extraction.

But swelling and inflammation at the extraction site can be much more than expected. In this case, contact our dentist’s office near you.

Dry Socket

After extractions, your body forms a clot at the extraction site. The clot helps the area seal off and makes it heal much faster. However, if the clot comes out, it exposes the nerves and underlying bone. This will cause intense pain.
Pain

You can take painkillers after the procedure since pain is expected. But if the discomfort persists even after you take painkillers, then it means that there is another issue.

Post-Extraction Oral Care

Caring for the extraction site will help you avoid certain complications, and the healing process will happen much faster. Here’s a snippet of what you can do:

• Aid the clotting process by biting the gauze, not spitting, smoking, or poking the site with your tongue
• Use a cold compress to alleviate pain and reduce the swelling
• Maintain your oral hygiene
• Eat soft and cold foods after the surgery, then work your way towards your normal diet over time.

Contact us at Bay Colony Dental and Orthodontics if you have any concerns.