Why Do You Need a Surgical Extraction
You hope to keep your teeth for your lifetime, but sometimes circumstances can arise that will prompt your dentist to recommend removing a tooth in the best interests of your dental health. Many of your teeth are easily removable, but occasionally can be more complicated, and now require a more involved procedure. Here are some reasons a surgical extraction might become necessary, and how your dentist differentiates the procedures.
Why Can You Not Save a Tooth
The American Dental Association, or ADA, suggests teeth are usually extracted because of trauma, disease or overcrowding. When a tooth cannot be repaired with a dental filling or a dental crown because of an accident or extensive decay, an extraction might indeed be your best choice. A tooth that is not supported by enough bone because of periodontal disease is a candidate for removal, which necessitates the use of a gum-protecting toothpaste after extraction. An infected, abscessed tooth, that does not respond to a root canal treatment might need to be taken out as well.
It is not unusual for an orthodontist to recommend an extraction or two before an orthodontic treatment begins because of crowed teeth. Also, wisdom teeth are frequently extracted because of the awkward position they finish in when they grow behind your molars.
Simple Extractions versus Surgical Extractions
A simple extraction is actually a very common dental procedure provided in the United States. When a tooth is visible above your gum line and your dentist can easily remove it with an elevator and forceps, the procedure is called a simple extraction. If a tooth has yet to grow in, your dentist will need to remove gum tissue or bone to be able to extract it. This is called a surgical extraction and requires sutures to close the site so that it can heal properly. Your dentist might also prescribe a more specific pain medication following the procedure.
Reasons for Surgical Extractions
With an x-ray and an examination, your dentist can usually determine whether your extraction will be simple or surgical. There are also times when a simple extraction turns into a surgical extraction. If a tooth breaks off during the simple extraction, for example, it might need to be extracted in pieces.
Wisdom teeth often require a surgical extraction because they are often impacted, meaning they have not completely erupted through the gumline. This situation requires cutting through bone and tissue. Removing severely damaged teeth, root tips or teeth with long-curved roots are also examples of surgical extractions. There are also times when the bone around a tooth has become dense, resulting in the need for surgical treatment.
Post-Extraction Instructions
With surgical extractions, you will most likely have sutures at the extraction site. Regardless of whether your tooth extraction is simple or surgical, it is important to closely follow your dentist’s instructions to speed up your healthy recovery and avoid any complications.
The surgical extraction of teeth might sound a bit intimidating, but with today’s modern procedures and anesthesia, you need not worry. When finished, you and your dentist can discuss tooth replacement options to restore natural functionality and a healthy smile.