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DIFFERENT TYPES OF TOOTH EXTRACTIONS
YOUR GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING TOOTH EXTRACTION
Tooth extraction is a common dental treatment that involves removing a tooth from the socket in the jawbone. This procedure is usually performed when the tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or infected and cannot be saved with a filling, root canal, or other dental treatments. Teeth may also be extracted for dental reasons such as alleviating crowding or wisdom teeth removal. In some cases, tooth extraction may be recommended for orthodontic reasons or to make room for dentures. Our dentists at Woodbourne Dental are experienced in performing tooth extractions, and take every precaution to ensure that the process is as painless as possible and to achieve the best outcomes for our patients.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN UNDERGOING A TOOTH EXTRACTION PROCEDURE
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure that is performed under local anaesthesia or conscious sedation, depending on the complexity of the extraction and the patient's comfort level. During the procedure, the dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth and remove it from the socket. The socket is then cleaned and packed with a gauze pad to control bleeding and promote healing. In some cases, the tooth may need to be divided into pieces for removal.
ARE TOOTH EXTRACTIONS PAINFUL?
Extraction may seem like a very scary procedure, and while pain, swelling, and discomfort are common after a tooth extraction, your dentist will do everything in their power to ensure that the procedure itself is as painless as possible. Your dentist will provide instructions on how to manage discomfort, following your tooth extraction, and in some cases, a prescription for pain medication may be provided. The socket will heal on its own within a few days to a week. To speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of complications, it's important to follow the dentist's instructions carefully, avoid smoking and using straws, and stick to a soft food diet for a few days after the extraction. In some cases, a follow-up appointment may be necessary to check on the healing progress and assess the need for any additional treatment, such as a dental implant or bone grafting.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TOOTH EXTRACTIONS?
There are two main types of tooth extraction, namely simple extraction and surgical extraction. A simple extraction is the most common type of extraction and is performed on teeth that are visible above the gum line. This procedure is usually quick and straightforward, and involves loosening the tooth using a dental instrument, called an elevator, and removing the tooth using forceps. A surgical extraction is a more complex procedure that is performed on teeth that are broken below the gum line, impacted, or partially erupted. This is typically the case with wisdom teeth removal. During a surgical extraction, the dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue and remove some of the surrounding bone to access the tooth. The tooth is then carefully removed, and the socket is cleaned and packed with a gauze pad to control bleeding and promote healing.
WHO CAN PERFORM A TOOTH EXTRACTION?
While a dentist will always try to repair a natural tooth and prevent extraction, a tooth may need to be removed from your mouth for a variety of reasons. Rest assured that your dentist will take every step to ensure that the procedure is as painless as possible. Tooth extractions are commonly performed by general dentists, but in some complex cases, it may be necessary to see an oral surgeon. An experienced dentist has the expertise, training, and technology to perform the procedure safely and effectively, and will know when it is necessary to refer the patient to a oral surgeon, always ensuring the best possible outcome for the patient.