Simple vs. Surgical Tooth Extraction

Simple vs. surgical tooth extraction

If you are reading this, it is likely that you will have to get one of your teeth removed in the near future. With the right information, you do not have to go through a tooth extraction in the dark. Doing your research is a great first step in understanding what you need to do to prepare for your procedure. Read on to learn more about this very common but rarely discussed operation.

What is a tooth extraction?

A tooth extraction is a dental procedure wherein a problematic tooth is removed from its place in the jawbone. Usually, a tooth that needs to be extracted causes pain to the patient in the form of an intense toothache. Unfortunately, this also means the tooth has some deep-rooted issues that cannot be rectified by more superficial dental procedures.

Reasons to get a tooth extracted

This operation is recommended by dentists for many reasons. If a tooth is impacted, for instance, it needs to be removed. Impacted teeth are unable to grow in correctly and can cause infection if not taken out. One routine example of a common extraction due to impacted teeth is wisdom teeth removal.

Some teeth are extracted in order to make room and help align the bite. The most severe reason for removal is if the tooth has been damaged beyond repair.

Simple extractions

A simple extraction is done when the tooth is visible, above the surface of the gum, and still in one cohesive piece. Your dentist can perform a few tests to determine any perceptible problems, then an X-ray will confirm if you need to have any teeth removed. These kinds of extractions can be carried out by your local dentist. The procedure is relatively mild and can be done under local anesthesia.

Healing time for a simple extraction is only a few days. Swelling at the extraction point is common, as is some soreness and jaw pain. Placing an ice pack on the area can reduce inflammation and help the healing process along.

Surgical extractions

On the other hand, surgical extractions are much more intensive. If the tooth is under the surface of the gum or cracked, a simple extraction is not possible. A dentist will need to refer the patient to an oral surgeon in order to complete the operation.

Stronger anesthesia is needed for surgical extractions. For this reason, the patient will need to arrange transportation from the medical center, so be prepared to ask friends or family for help driving you home. Since this type of procedure is much more involved, there will also be more pain. However, surgeons usually prescribe pain medications for the days following the operation.

If you do need an extraction, not to fear. After reading through this guide, you are more informed and on your way to preparing for the procedure. If you are experiencing tooth pain, do not hesitate in making an appointment with your dentist to find out if an extraction is right for you.

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