What is a Simple Extraction?
There are just two kinds of tooth extraction, a simple extraction, and a surgical extraction. A simple dental extraction procedure is the removal of a tooth that can be seen and is easily accessible, and a surgical dental extraction needs an incision into your gums to gain access to the tooth that needs to be removed.
Simple Dental Extraction
A simple dental extraction is the removal of a tooth that is exposed and visible in your mouth. Family dentists quite often conduct this procedure in their dental offices, using a local anesthetic to numb the immediate area to minimize any discomfort you may experience.
Specific dental instruments to elevate the tooth and grasp the visible crown will be used, such as an elevator and a forceps. The elevator is used first to loosen the tooth and then the forceps to actually grasp the tooth for its removal.
The tooth will be wiggled back and forth with the elevator until the periodontal ligament stretches enough to loosen the tooth from the alveolar bone so that it can be removed. Next, they apply a controlled force on the tooth with steady pressure with the dental forceps to extract the tooth.
Surgical Dental Extraction
A surgical dental extraction requires the removal of a tooth that is not easily visible and accessible. This might be because it has not erupted through the gumline completely or it has been fractured under the gumline.
In this case, it will be necessary to make an incision into the soft gum tissue surrounding the tooth to gain access to the tooth for extraction. The soft tissues that cover the tooth may be elevated, or a drill could be needed to remove any jawbone obstructing the extraction procedure.
Comparing Simple and Surgical Extraction
Both types of dental extraction will help reduce the overall risk of further complications, like infection, pain, and inflammation. Other minor complications possible with both kinds of dental extraction include:
- A dry socket- from the premature loss of the blood clot that is essential following extraction.
- Delayed healing- might occur from medications such as bisphosphonates or corticosteroids, which should be temporarily ceased before your dental extraction to reduce any risk of complications.
- Osteoradionecrosis or secondary bone death- if you have a history of radiation treatment in the area of your head or neck.
- The movement of your remaining natural teeth- will lead to misalignment of teeth and an altered bite, which can then damage other healthy teeth.
- The loss of vertical dimension of occlusion- or the collapse of your bite, might lead to changes in muscle contractions necessary to chew and consequent issues such as dry lips.
Simple tooth extractions are always preferred whenever it is possible because they are easier to perform, avoiding any adverse effects from surgical tooth extractions. There is usually not a choice between the two options, a simple tooth extraction is performed if the tooth is accessible, and a surgical extraction is necessary of the tooth is not visible or easily accessible.