Why Do I Need a Surgical Extraction?
Surgical Tooth Extraction
It is critical for patients to practice good oral hygiene in order to maintain healthy teeth and good oral health. Accidents are sometimes unpreventable or there are circumstances which require a patient to have a tooth extracted. Sometimes the extraction is necessary in order to preserve the other natural teeth. The teeth are surprisingly easy for a dentist to remove, when needed. Some cases are more complicated and require a more complex surgical procedure for removing the tooth. Surgical tooth extractions may be needed for various reasons which are summarized below.
Preserving Natural Teeth
Common reasons for removing a tooth include an accident, trauma, gum disease, decay, misalignment, and overcrowding. While a filling or crown can often restore a damaged tooth, sometimes the damage may be too severe, and the only solution is to remove the tooth. Damaged teeth which cannot be preserved must be extracted in a timely manner as delaying treatment can allow the issue to become worse. Another common close for the removal of one or more teeth is in cases of bone loss due to advanced periodontal disease. Other situations which require a tooth extraction can include an abscess or infection which cannot be treated with a root canal.
An orthodontist may also complete an extraction before starting an orthodontic treatment in order to make room in the mouth. Patients with crowded teeth or a small jaw often need to have a tooth removed. The wisdom teeth are commonly extracted as they are often partially or fully impacted.
Simple and Surgical Extractions
There are two different types of extractions which can be performed. This includes simple and surgical. Simple extractions are completed when the tooth is fully erupted and visible above the gums. In this case, the dentist can easily remove the tooth. Surgical tooth extractions are completed when the tooth is fully or partially impacted and not easy to access. Surgical extractions are a common surgical procedure where the dentist removes gum tissue or bone prior in order to access the tooth for removal. Sutures are used to close the wound following the removal of the tooth. The dentist may also prescribe pain medication, or the patient can use an over-the-counter pain medication to manage discomfort.
Surgical Extractions
The dentist or oral surgeon will complete a thorough examination and order x-rays during the consultation or initial visit. Based on this information and the location of the tooth, the dental professional will determine if a simple or surgical extraction is required. It is possible for a simple extraction to become a surgical procedure if the tooth breaks off or becomes damaged during the procedure. In this case, the dentist must remove the tooth in separate pieces.
It is very common for the wisdom teeth to be impacted, which requires a surgical extraction. Tooth impaction takes place when the tooth does not fully erupt above the gums. A tooth may erupt partially or be completely impacted. To remove the tooth, dentists cut through bone and/or gum tissue. Surgical extractions are also required if the patient has a broken tooth which is severely damaged or teeth with extremely long or curved roots. In cases where the bone is dense surrounding the tooth, a surgical extraction may also be necessary.
Post-Extraction Care
After receiving a surgical extraction, the patients will most likely have sutures at the extraction site. Regardless of if the patient has a simple or surgical extraction, it is critical to follow the post-procedure care instructions provided by the dental team to ensure a fast recovery and minimize the risk for complications. The aftercare instructions will often be given to patients prior to the procedure and are likely given in written form as well.
Surgical tooth extractions are a common dental procedure which are routinely performed. After the mouth heals from an extraction, the patient can follow up with the dentist to discuss their options for replacing the missing tooth.
Patients with oral health issues should make an appointment with the dentist today. The dentist can discuss treatment options with the patient and answer any questions they may have.