Simple Extraction Steps
There are two types of extractions a dentist can perform when the need arises to remove a tooth. These are simple and surgical. In general, a dentist will use a simple extraction to remove teeth that are visible above the gumline and easily accessible. A surgical extraction is performed on teeth that are yet to come through the gums or require more invasive procedures to remove. If you’ve been told you need a simple extraction you may be wondering about the steps that the dentist will follow to remove the tooth.
What is the process for extracting a tooth by simple extraction?
Dentist will always do everything they can to save a tooth, but in some cases a tooth can simply not be saved and will need to be extracted. This can be caused by decay, disease, trauma, or overcrowding. Sometimes patients may even choose to have a tooth extracted due to circumstances that make it more preferrable than other treatments. If you have been told you need an extraction here are the general steps your dentist will follow.
The procedure will begin by the dentist administering local anesthesia to the site of the extraction. This will numb the area to ensure that it is pain free during the procedure. Sometimes this may even involve administering a topical anesthetic first to the area around the tooth which can help to minimize the discomfort from the anesthesia injection itself.
Once you and the dentist have determined that you are sufficiently numb, the procedure will begin. The dentist will use a forceps and elevator to grab hold of the tooth. Once they have gotten hold of the tooth, they will work to release the periodontal ligaments which connect the tooth to the bone structure. To do this the dentist will wiggle the tooth back and forth while applying pressure. During this part of the procedure, it is normal to feel pressure in your mouth but because of the anesthesia you should feel no pain. While maneuvering the tooth, the dentist will use the elevator to enlarge the socket and help free the tooth. Once the tooth is loose, the dentist will use the forceps to extract the tooth from the socket and remove it from your mouth.
If you have a need or desire to replace the tooth that has been removed, your dentist will work to prepare the site for that procedure. This is called ridge preservation. The procedure involves placing bone graft materials in the now empty socket. This slows the bone reabsorption process and will help to make sure that the boney ridge maintains the same width and height as it had with the natural tooth. This will ensure that it can better support a replacement tooth.
Regardless of if your dentist performs the ridge preservation or not, the next step is to minimize the bleeding by applying pressure to the site with gauze. Your dentist will then provide you with post-operative instructions for care.
A simple extraction is minimally invasive procedure that requires very few steps. It is generally pain free with a short recovery time. Speak to your dentist about the specific steps they will follow if you have further questions.