What is the Difference Between Simple & Surgical Extraction?
Saving the natural teeth is a priority for any dentist, but there are some cases where a tooth has to be removed. For example, if a tooth is too damaged to support a dental filling or crown, it may need to be removed. Dentists may need to extract teeth that have been damaged through trauma or injury, teeth that are excessively crowded, impacted secondary teeth that haven’t erupted through the gums, or teeth with extensive decay or disease. You and your dentist will review your specific procedure, which will be based on the condition of your teeth. When possible, a simple extraction procedure is used, though in some cases, surgical extraction is necessary. Understanding the variety of differences between these two procedures can help you approach your extraction treatment with confidence and comfort. Key differences include the type of anesthesia used, the procedure itself, the instructions for healthy recovery, and the types of complications associated with the procedure.
Different Types of Anesthesia
Dentists use anesthesia to block pain during any dental extraction. Simple extractions are routine and quick, performed in the dentist’s office with a single visit. Due to their straightforward nature, dentists rely on local anesthesia to thoroughly numb the gums and surrounding area before extracting the tooth. For a surgical extraction, dentists can use either local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the preferences of the patient. When general anesthesia is used, the patient is completely sedated, unaware of the procedure or their surroundings. When general anesthesia is used, the surgical extraction is performed in a surgical center, rather than in the dentist’s office, to ensure the safety of the patient throughout the process.
The Procedure Itself
Whenever possible, simple extractions are used when a sufficient portion of the tooth is visible above the gum line. Using a dental tool called an elevator, along with forceps, the dentist loosens the tooth, detaching the connective ligaments and removing the tooth from its socket by manipulating the tooth with careful, focused pressure. For more complex cases, as when the tooth is trapped below the gums or otherwise inaccessible, the dentist will make a small incision into the gums, sometimes also removing a small amount of bone, before removing the tooth. In many cases, the tooth is broken into multiple pieces before being removed, to facilitate its complete removal.
Recovering From a Dental Extraction
For simple dental extractions, which are minimally invasive, recovery comes with minimal side effects. You may experience some swelling, bleeding, or discomfort, though these symptoms usually diminish in only a few days and can be managed with home remedies and over-the-counter medication. Surgical extractions require a longer healing time, due to the incisions and sutures required, and while symptoms may be more significant than recovering from a simple extraction, they usually also include swelling, bleeding, and discomfort.
Risks and Complications
Surgical extraction carries more of a risk of complications, which could include infection, damage to the adjacent tissues, nerve damage, or continued or severe pain, though carefully following recommended aftercare can help minimize these risks. Risks most commonly associated with simple extractions include unusual pain and dry mouth. If any symptoms persist for more than a week following any type of extraction, or if you experience unusual pain, numbness, bleeding or fever, contact your dentist right away.