Tooth extraction is a standard dental procedure that involves completely removing a tooth from its gum socket. This procedure is necessary for various reasons, including overcrowding, severe decay, fractures, or impacted wisdom teeth. This can be a painful and stressful experience for most patients, so it’ll help to learn more about what to expect during tooth removal.
There are two types of tooth extraction, which are simple and surgical. Read on to find out how it’s done and which situations call for each procedure.
Simple Tooth Extraction
As its name suggests, simple tooth extraction is a relatively easy procedure that does not require special surgical techniques. It can be performed by a general or family dentist. This type of extraction only takes a couple of days to heal and will only be accompanied by typical complications, like swelling, soreness, and moderate pain.
A simple extraction is performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth and not hidden beneath the gums. Here, local anesthesia is enough to numb the pain, although some cases may require sedation. A dentist uses elevators and forceps to loosen the tooth until it’s removed from its socket.
Surgical Tooth Extraction
If a tooth is severely cracked, isn’t visible in the mouth, or is underneath the gums, a surgical procedure is necessary to remove them. While this type of extraction is generally done by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, some dentists who have undergone training may also perform the extraction. Some cases that require oral surgery include teeth with long-curved roots and non-impacted wisdom teeth.
Since a surgical extraction is a more invasive procedure, general anesthesia is often given to patients to ensure minimal pain. Depending on your condition, the surgeon may have to create an incision in your gums and other surrounding tissues to access and remove your tooth. Sometimes, they may even drill through jawbones or break the tooth into smaller pieces for a successful extraction.
The recovery time post-surgical extraction may take longer and will require extensive care. Your surgeon or dentist will provide you with the proper aftercare steps and prescribe necessary pain medications.
Consult a Trusted Dental Professional
Learning about the difference between simple vs. surgical tooth extraction will help you prepare should you need to have a tooth removed. To schedule an emergency tooth extraction, reach out to us at Aegis Dental Group or Angola Dental Center. Our offices in Angola and Warsaw are open to accommodate your various dental needs.