It can be intimidating if you need to have a tooth removed. You may need more certainty about how the procedure will be done or what will happen afterward. Don't worry – our professional and experienced oral surgeons at Metropolitan Dental Specialty Group are trained in tooth extraction
methods and have extensive knowledge of related topics like anesthesia, infection control, pain management, and aftercare instructions.Patient Assessment and Preparation
Before the tooth extraction, the dentist will assess the patient's medical history, perform a thorough oral examination, and take x-rays to determine the tooth's condition and surrounding bone structure.
Anesthesia
Before the extraction, the patient will be given local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. In some cases, a dentist may also administer sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the patient's anxiety level or the complexity of the procedure.
Surgical Tooth Extraction
Surgical tooth extraction is a specialized dental procedure designed to extract teeth that are not easily reachable or cannot be removed using traditional extraction methods. This may be due to impacted teeth, severe decay, or a tooth's position within the jawbone. These are the steps involved:
Incision and Flap Creation
The dentist or oral surgeon will create a small incision in the gum around the tooth for surgical procedures.This exposes the underlying bone and allows the practitioner to access the tooth more easily. If necessary, the dentist may create a flap by lifting the gum tissue to visualize the area better.
Bone Removal
Sometimes, the tooth may be partially or completely covered by bone. The dentist will carefully remove or drill away the bone surrounding the tooth, not damaging the surrounding structures.Sectioning the Tooth
The dentist may need to section the tooth into smaller pieces for difficult extractions or impacted teeth. The practitioner will carefully cut the tooth into manageable sections using a dental drill or other specialized instruments. This makes removing each piece easier and minimizes trauma to the surrounding tissues.Extraction of the Tooth
Tooth extraction is a crucial phase in dental procedures, involving carefully removing a problematic tooth from its socket.Loosening and Elevating
Once the tooth is exposed and sectioned, the dentist will gently use an elevator to loosen the tooth from its socket if necessary.This is done by applying controlled force to the tooth, gradually expanding the socket, and breaking down the periodontal ligament, which holds the tooth in place.
Simple Tooth Extraction Procedure
Simple tooth extraction is a straightforward dental procedure when a tooth is easily accessible and can be removed without surgical intervention. This minimally invasive approach is commonly used for teeth that are not impacted or severely damaged, resulting in a quicker and more comfortable recovery.
Anesthesia
Like a surgical extraction, local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the tooth. Sedation or general anesthesia is rarely needed for a simple extraction, as the procedure is less invasive and typically quicker.Loosening the Tooth
In a simple extraction, there is no need for an incision, flap creation, bone removal, or tooth sectioning. Instead, the dentist gently uses an elevator to loosen the tooth from its socket. This is done by applying controlled force to the tooth, gradually expanding the socket, and breaking down the periodontal ligament holding the tooth in place.Forceps Extraction
Once the tooth is sufficiently loosened, the dentist will use dental forceps to firmly grasp it and carefully remove it from the socket with a steady and controlled motion. This step is the same in both surgical and simple procedures.Post-Extraction Care
The post-extraction care for simple tooth extraction is similar to a surgical extraction. However, the healing time may be shorter, and there is generally less post-operative discomfort and swelling.