Simple and Surgical Dental Extractions

Simple Dental Extraction

A simple dental extraction is a routine procedure to remove a tooth under local anesthesia. The dentist will gently move the tooth back and forth to loosen the ligaments from the jawbone before removing it.

Surgical Extraction

A surgical extraction is a more complex procedure required to remove teeth that are impacted, severely broken-down, have curved roots or have not fully erupted through the gums. It is performed under local anesthesia, and sometimes additional sedation may be needed.

The dentist or oral surgeon may make an incision in the gum to expose the tooth, and may need to remove some bone around the tooth or cut the tooth into smaller pieces before extracting it.

Following the tooth removal, dissolving stitches are often used across the gums to improve healing.

Surgical extractions are often necessary for wisdom teeth that are impacted or have not erupted properly.

Summary

After either type of extraction, patients can expect some bleeding, swelling, and discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and cold compresses. Proper aftercare, such as salt water mouth washing, avoiding certain activities such as intense physical exercise and smoking/vaping is essential for healing and preventing complications such as infection or dry-socket.