How is tooth extraction done?

There are two types of tooth extraction and they are

  • the simple extraction is performed on a tooth that can already be seen in the mouth. This is the more common extraction done by dentists. These extractions can be done by using a local anaesthetic injection without the use of anti anxiety drugs. In simple extraction, the dentist simply moves the tooth back and forth using a forceps until it is loose. It will then be pulled out. Dentists sometimes use dental elevators to loosen the tooth. Dental elevators are instruments that fit between the tooth and the gum
  • the surgical extraction is performed on a tooth that is not easily seen or a tooth that is not seen at all in the mouth. These teeth may have broken off the gum line or they may have not yet come in. In order to see and remove the tooth, the dentist must cut and pull back on the gums. When the dentist pulls back the gum flap, they will have access to removing the bone and pieces of the tooth

Oral surgeons usually perform the surgical extractions. These are done with local anaesthetic injections or conscious sedation. Patients who have special medical conditions or children who are very young may opt to get general anaesthesia. In a surgical extraction, the dentist needs to make a cut or incision in the gum in order to get to the tooth. In certain cases, the tooth may have to be cut in several pieces before it is removed.

If you are getting a tooth extraction and receiving conscious sedation then you may be given steroids through the IV line in order to reduce the swelling after the surgery. If you need to have all your four wisdom teeth removed at the same time then this is usually done in one procedure. The lower teeth are harder to remove than the upper ones. Here are the types of wisdom teeth that are removed, from easiest to most complicated

  • erupted already in the mouth
  • soft tissue impacted which is just under the gum
  • partially bony impacted or partially stuck in the jaw
  • full bone impaction or completely stuck in the jaw

If your wisdom teeth are tilted sideways then they may be harder to remove than usual.

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