Extractions

Dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the alveolar bone. Extractions are performed when teeth are severely decayed, damaged, impacted, or pose a risk to oral health. There are two main types of dental extractions: simple and surgical.

Simple Extractions

Simple extractions involve the removal of teeth that are visible in the mouth and can be accessed easily. Typically, local anesthesia is administered to numb the area, and specialized instruments such as elevators and forceps are used to loosen and remove the tooth. Simple extractions are commonly performed on teeth that are loose due to decay or trauma, or on primary (baby) teeth that need removal to allow for proper eruption of permanent teeth.

Surgical Extractions

Surgical extractions are more complex and are required when teeth are not easily accessible. This includes impacted teeth (such as wisdom teeth), teeth broken at the gum line, or teeth that require sectioning before removal. Surgical extraction involves making an incision in the gum tissue, sometimes removing bone around the tooth, and then extracting the tooth in parts if necessary. This procedure is usually performed by oral surgeons or dentists trained in surgical techniques. Post-operative care is critical to minimize pain, swelling, and infection risk.

In summary, dental extractions are vital procedures to manage tooth loss due to pathology or trauma, categorized as simple or surgical based on complexity.