Simple Extraction Steps
The primary goal for any dentist is to preserve as many of the natural teeth as possible in all of their patients. Dentists use a few different methods to preserve damaged teeth, like dental fillings, bonding, inlays, and onlays, but when a tooth is damaged or infected beyond repair, or if a tooth is causing significant issues with crowding, extracting the tooth might be the best option. If the tooth that’s causing concerns has reasonably straight roots and sufficient solid structure above the gums, you might be a good candidate for a simple extraction. Your dentist will also review your medical history and may ask you to refrain from using certain medications, like blood thinners, for a few days before and after the procedure.
The simple extraction procedure takes place in a single office visit and includes a few separate steps. These steps consist of:
Administering the injection of local anesthetic
To prevent pain and ensure a smooth procedure, your dentist will inject a local anesthetic into the tissues immediately surrounding the tooth to be extracted. The dentist may also use a topical anesthetic gel before injecting the anesthetic, to reduce the discomfort caused by the injection itself.
Releasing the periodontal ligament fibers
Even if the tooth that’s being extracted is loose, the periodontal ligament fibers that hold the tooth within its socket need to be released so that the tooth can be extracted from the oral cavity.
Loosening and elevating the tooth
Dentists use a specialized tool called an elevator to further loosen the tooth. The alveolar bone that surrounds a tooth, forming its socket, is pliable, and the dental elevator slightly enlarges the tooth socket so that the tooth can be pulled out.
Removing the tooth with forceps
Using dental forceps, the dentist will firmly grasp the loosened tooth, prying it out of the socket and out of the mouth.
Restoring the jawbone with graft procedures, if desired
Most of the time, dentists recommend replacing extracted teeth as soon as possible. As soon as a tooth is lost, the bone that once supported it begins to deteriorate, which can lead to complications with dental restoration. To prevent the height and width of the jaw from deteriorating, your dentist may perform a socket graft procedure immediately after the tooth is extracted. This procedure slows the bone reabsorption process that naturally follows the loss of a tooth, helping to ensure the success of future tooth replacement.
Minimizing and managing bleeding
Even though there are no major arteries in the sockets of the teeth, simple dental extractions still come with some bleeding. Your dentist will apply pressure, with gauze, to the tooth socket to minimize bleeding at the extraction site.
Providing post-operative instructions
Your specific post-operative instructions will depend on your dental and medical health profiles, and you should take advantage of your opportunity to ask detailed questions about aftercare as you plan your procedure and if any concerns arise as you heal.
Removing an infected tooth with a simple dental extraction can prevent infection from spreading while also eliminating the swelling, discomfort, and other uncomfortable symptoms that might come with a dental infection. If a simple extraction is being performed because the teeth are overcrowded, removing the tooth can help the remaining teeth align properly, possibly with the assistance of orthodontic devices. If a tooth is decayed beyond repair, removing the tooth and preparing the jaw for a dental restoration can help maintain the health, and the appearance, of the teeth and mouth. With a few basic steps, a simple dental extraction can do wonders toward supporting a healthy, happy smile.