What is a Simple Extraction?
There are only two kinds of tooth extraction: a simple extraction or a surgical extraction. A simple tooth extraction procedure is the removal of a tooth that is visible above the gumline and easily accessible, and a surgical extraction requires an incision into your gums to allow access to a tooth that needs to be removed.
Simple Tooth Extraction
A simple tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth that has completely erupted through the gumline in your mouth. Your dentist often performs this procedure in their dental office by administering a local anesthetic to numb the immediate area, which will minimize any discomfort you may experience.
Special dental instruments designed for this procedure are used to both elevate the tooth and grasp the visible crown, which include an elevator and a forceps. The elevator is used first to loosen the tooth, followed by the forceps to grasp the tooth for removal.
The tooth is gently wiggled back and forth with the elevator until the periodontal ligament stretches enough to loosen the tooth from support in the bone socket so it can be removed. Next, they apply controlled pressure on the tooth with the dental forceps to simply extract the tooth.
Surgical Dental Extraction
Surgical tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth that is not visible or easily accessible. This might be because it has not erupted through the gumline completely, or it is fractured.
With a surgical extraction, it will be necessary to make an incision in the gum tissue to gain access to the tooth for extraction. The soft tissue covering the tooth may be elevated, or a drill may be needed to remove jawbone that is obstructing the extraction procedure.
Comparing Simple and Surgical Extraction
Both kinds of dental extraction reduce the overall risk of further oral issues, like an infection, increased pain, or inflammation. Some minor complications that can be a small risk possibility with both kinds of dental extractions include:
- A dry socket- This is the result of the premature loss of the blood clot, which is crucial following the extraction.
- Delayed healing- Might happen from any medications such as bisphosphonates or corticosteroids, which should be stopped temporarily before your dental extraction to reduce the risk of complications.
- Osteoradionecrosis or secondary bone death- This is if you have experienced radiation treatment in the area of your head or neck.
- The movement of your remaining natural teeth- This can lead to misalignment of your teeth and an altered bite, which then leads to damaging other healthy teeth.
- The loss of vertical dimension of occlusion- The collapse of your bite, which will lead to changes in the muscle contractions necessary to chew, and other consequent issues like dry lips.
Simple tooth extractions are always preferred whenever possible because they are much easier to perform, avoiding any possible adverse effects from surgical tooth extractions. There is usually not a choice; a simple tooth extraction is used when the tooth is accessible, and a surgical extraction is necessary if the tooth is not visible or accessible.