Understanding Teeth Extraction Techniques: Simplified vs. Surgical Procedures

Summary

Tooth extraction, a standard dental procedure, is often necessary for various reasons, such as damage, decay, or overcrowding. Rest assured, you’re not alone in this journey.

Every individual needing tooth extraction tends to get confused between the two primary methods: simplified and surgical. Each method serves a distinct purpose and is employed under different circumstances. 

Therefore, in this blog, we take a closer look at the different tooth extraction techniques via topics like: 

• What is A Tooth Extraction About?
• Exploring the 2 Types of Tooth Extraction
• When Does a Tooth Qualify as A Surgical Extraction?
• Aftercare for Surgically Extracted Tooth
• Does Insurance Cover Surgical Extraction?

Continue reading as we learn more about these factors in the following sections. 

What is A Tooth Extraction About?

Tooth extraction is a process that dental experts use to remove a tooth that is beyond repair or poses a risk to the surrounding teeth and tissues. Dentists in Farmington, NM, opt for extraction only when your tooth is severely deteriorated beyond repair.

The two main types of extraction are simple and surgical. The type of extraction selected is determined by criteria such as the tooth’s location, condition, and possible influence on adjacent teeth.

Exploring the 2 Types of Tooth Extraction

Simple Tooth Extraction

Some extractions can be performed without creating any incisions or without specialized procedures. This is known as a simple extraction, and a regular or family dentist or an OMS can perform it. 

Patients requiring a more complex tooth extraction are more likely to be referred to an OMS. When a tooth is damaged or rotten, there may be insufficient tooth above the gumline, or it may be too delicate to be extracted whole. The tooth’s form, size, and position influence whether extracted with a simple or complicated procedure.

Surgical Tooth Extraction

When a dentist refers a patient to an OMS for tooth extraction, the aim is to ensure that the tooth is extracted or handled with the highest care. Some impacted teeth require only partial or no removal at all, and this choice is made with the help of an OMS. 

Once you visit your oral professional for teeth extraction in Farmington, NM, they will perform the extraction under anesthesia or sedation. Various factors will determine the time required to complete the process:

• Thickness of bone surrounding the tooth
• Position of the tooth
• Length and curvature of the root(s)
• The patient’s physical health

When gum tissue covers a tooth, an incision is necessary to expose it for removal. Similarly, if bone surrounds a portion of the tooth, the surgeon will remove the bone to expose your jaw and extract the tooth entirely. However, if an incision is required, sutures may be used to help heal.

Dental implants are suggested to replace removed teeth, apart from wisdom teeth, to avoid bone loss and increase function. Surgical tooth extraction is merely the first step toward better dental health.

When Does a Tooth Qualify as A Surgical Extraction?

The dental specialist will decide the type of dental extraction you require. Before making a decision, they will take the appropriate steps, such as taking a dental X-ray and inspecting your teeth and mouth. 

However, there are times when a simple extraction requires surgical intervention. If a tooth breaks off during surgery, the dentist will provide more comprehensive treatment. Several variables are evaluated to determine whether you can undergo surgical extraction. 

The following include, but are not limited to:

• The tooth’s placement and position.
• The length and shape of a tooth root.
• The thickness of the bone around the afflicted tooth.
• Patient’s health status.
• Previous root canal procedures (which made roots more brittle and prone to fracture).

In general, simple tooth extractions are preferred over surgical tooth extractions since they are easier to execute and have fewer complications. 

Nevertheless, choosing between the two approaches is seldom possible; for visible teeth, a straightforward extraction is always carried out, while for teeth that are not visible or easily accessible, only surgery is an effective treatment option.

Aftercare for Surgically Extracted Tooth

• Change the gauze pad

Following an extraction, the dentist or dental surgeon will place a thick layer of gauze over the extraction site. Biting down on the gauze with a slight but intense pressure will help contain the bleeding.

The gauze must be left on for at least 20 to 30 minutes. When the gauze becomes soaked in blood, the patient must change it.

Mild bleeding may occur in the first and second days after extraction. This will stop after a blood clot develops.

• Pain relievers

The numbness generated by the local anesthetic should last only a few hours following the extraction. If the numbness persists, see your dentist.

After an extraction, you may feel some pain and discomfort. Follow your dentist’s directions while using any prescription pain medicines. These drugs can help you heal without causing discomfort, but they also carry specific hazards. Before prescribing pain medication, discuss the risks and benefits with your dentist.

• Reduce inflammation

While mild swelling is likely, place ice packs on your face for fifteen minutes at a time for the first twenty-four hours following tooth extraction to reduce swelling. Then, you can manage discomfort using heat treatment in the form of warm washcloths.

• Eat healthily

Following tooth extraction, drink lots of liquids and eat soft, nutritious meals. In the meantime, try not to eat anything chewy or crunchy.

When chewing becomes more accessible, gradually reintroduce solid meals. The dentist will urge you to chew on the opposite side of the extraction site until it has fully healed. 

During healing, stick to soft meals like blended soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, vegetables, mashed bananas, scrambled eggs, applesauce, and avocado. 

Does Insurance Cover Surgical Extraction?

With approved dental insurance, you can spend less on tooth extractions.

Statis suggests they do not cover most regular dental care and treatments, and consumers must pay in full for such uncovered services. However, in rare situations, they may grant coverage if a person requires dental treatment to enhance their overall health or to increase their chances of having a favorable outcome from another authorized therapy.

Takeaway

• Every individual needing tooth extraction tends to get confused between the two primary methods: simplified and surgical. 
• When gum tissue covers a tooth, an incision is necessary to expose it for removal.
• The numbness generated by the local anesthetic should last only a few hours following the extraction. 
• Following tooth extraction, drink lots of liquids and eat soft, nutritious meals. In the meantime, try not to eat anything chewy or crunchy.
• Don’t let the different procedures complicate your choice; connect with our experts at Four Corners to get the right insight today!