When your dentist has done everything they can to save a tooth, the next option they may present to you will be an extraction. Something you may not know is that there are actually two forms of dental extraction, the simple extraction and surgical extraction. Which extraction style is used is determined by the needs of the tooth to be removed.

Why Are Extractions Avoided?

The most beneficial thing for your oral health is to maintain your natural teeth. Your teeth are more than just something to chew with; they are part of an interdependent system that ensures your jawbone stays healthy and your teeth stay in alignment. Whenever a tooth is removed, there will be a growing impact over time on the rest of your teeth and oral health. As a result, your dentist will do whatever they can to help you retain your natural teeth before they perform an extraction.

What Is A Simple Extraction And How Are They Done?

Simple extractions are very straight-forward and do not require surgery. This form of extraction is possible when the majority of the tooth to be removed is exposed and easily accessed. During extraction, a special form of forceps is used in combination with a ‘lifter’ to help raise the tooth out of the socket. Patients undergoing this procedure are often given a local anesthetic to manage any discomfort that may result as a part of the extraction. Simple extractions are one of the most commonly performed treatments and can easily be managed in under an hour in most cases. Patients undergoing simple extractions can typically drive themselves home afterward.

What Is A Surgical Extraction And When Are They Necessary?

Surgical extractions are a far more involved process and are necessary when the location of the tooth is impossible to remove without creating incisions in the flesh and bone of the mouth. When having this procedure, the patient will be under general anesthesia, which renders them unconscious for the duration. The majority of surgical extractions are done to remove a patient’s wisdom teeth or other teeth that have become impacted. When a surgical extraction is performed, the patient will require someone to drive them home.

Do I Need To Do Anything Special After An Extraction?

Simple extractions generally don’t require any form of medication. Any discomfort caused by the procedure can be managed with over-the-counter pain killers. Surgical extractions, on the other hand, require a long recovery time, and pain-killers may be prescribed to help manage the pain over the first few days.

Extractions can often be a source of anxiety for patients. Learning more about what lay ahead can ease that anxiety. Reach out to the amazing staff at Fox Valley Dental for more information about the procedure that lay ahead. Dr. Bob Dokhanchi is available to help ease your mind and is an expert at performing efficient and low-discomfort extractions. We look forward to seeing you at our Aurora, IL, offices!