Why Do I Need a Surgical Extraction?
You hope to keep all of your natural teeth for your entire lifetime, but sometimes situations occur that will prompt your dentist to recommend removing a tooth in the best interests of your overall oral health. Most teeth are easy to extract, but sometimes it can be more complicated, and require a more involved procedure. Here are several reasons a surgical extraction might be necessary, and how your dentist identifies which is best for you.
Why Can You Not Save a Tooth
The ADA, or The American Dental Association, reports that teeth are often extracted because of disease, trauma, or overcrowding. When a filling or crown can no longer repair a tooth due to an accident or extensive decay, an extraction might very well be your best choice. A tooth that lacks enough bone to support it because of gum disease is a candidate for extraction. An infected, abscessed tooth, which cannot be restored with a root canal treatment may also need to be removed.
It is also common for an orthodontist to recommend an extraction before starting orthodontic treatment because of crowded teeth. Wisdom teeth are quite often extracted because of the awkward position they finish in.
Simple Extractions versus Surgical Extractions
A simple extraction is a common dental procedure provided by most dental offices. A simple extraction is when the tooth is visible above your gum line and your dentist can easily remove it with an elevator and forceps. If the tooth has not erupted normally, your dentist will create an incision to access the tooth below the gum tissue. This is called surgical extraction and will require sutures upon completion to close the site to heal properly. Your dentist may also prescribe a pain medication following this procedure.
Reasons for Surgical Extractions
With both an x-ray and an exam, your dentist will identify whether your extraction will be simple or surgical. There are a few times when a simple extraction might turn into a surgical extraction. If the tooth breaks off during your simple extraction, it might now need to be extracted in pieces.
Wisdom teeth often require surgical extraction because they remain impacted, not having erupted through the gumline. This situation requires an incision through tissue and possibly even some bone. Severely damaged teeth, teeth with stubborn root tips or long-curved roots are also examples of cases that need surgical extractions. There may also be a case when the bone around a tooth has become abnormally dense, resulting in the need for surgical extraction.
Post-Extraction Instructions
With surgical extractions, you will have sutures at the extraction site. No matter whether your tooth extraction is simple or surgical, it is always beneficial to follow your dentist’s instructions to have a healthy recovery and to avoid any complications.
Even though the surgical extraction may sound a bit intimidating, with the technology available today and anesthesia, you need not worry. When your extraction is finished, your dentist will discuss with you tooth replacement options to restore your healthy functionality and your natural smile.