Simple Tooth Extraction Vs. Surgical Tooth Extraction: Main Difference

What is Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Although it is a common procedure, tooth extraction is only done when necessary.

An experienced dentist can decide whether a procedure requires a simple or surgical extraction based on several factors, such as the age and the condition of surrounding tissue.

Tooth removal involves pulling a tooth from the socket. A dentist performs it, usually done under local anesthesia.

Some people can handle tooth extractions without any issues, while others may experience complications, such as swelling in their face or pain in their jaw joint area.

Why is Tooth Extraction Done?

A dentist may recommend dental extraction near you for a variety of reasons, such as:

• • Tooth decay

• • Tooth damage that cannot be repaired with fillings, crowns, or other restorative procedures. If it is severely damaged, extraction is often the best option.

• • Tooth infection

• • Impacted wisdom teeth

• • Overcrowding

Simple vs. Surgical Tooth Extraction

Simple Extraction

A simple extraction is a non-surgical procedure on visible teeth above the gums, requiring minimal preparation. Furthermore, it does not involve cutting the gums. A dentist will use a forceps appliance to grasp the tooth at its crown, then twist it out of place using a quick movement.

The procedure is simple and quick, with no stitches or incisions required. The dentist numbs the area of the tooth to be extracted with a local anesthetic and then removes it.

Surgical Extraction

A surgical extraction involves more preparation, and it is done on teeth that lie beneath the gums or are impacted. It can also be done when broken or damaged roots prevent normal removal with forceps alone. To remove these teeth, your dentist will make an incision in your gum tissue around the area where they’re located, then cut through bone until they reach their target spot within your mouth. Once there’s enough space to work on them further and remove them from behind their root structure, he will grab hold of each one individually before pulling it out with pliers or another specialized tool.

When Does a Tooth Qualify as A Surgical Extraction?

In most cases, simple tooth extraction is all that’s needed. But there is some time when our dentist in Spring, TX may perform a surgical extraction.

A tooth qualifies as a surgical extraction if it meets one or more of these criteria:

• • The tooth is severely decayed or broken.

• • The tooth is impacted (not in the correct position within your jaw) and requires specialized tools to remove it safely.

• • The large size of the tooth makes it difficult to access with dental instruments; this may be due to its location in your mouth or simply because it’s unusually large for its species (for instance, impacted wisdom teeth are often removed surgically).

• • You have an overbite issue that causes your lower jawbone to grow vertically instead of horizontally; this can cause some upper teeth to become narrow roots that can’t be accessed with standard dental instruments.

How Long Does Tooth Extraction Recovery Take?

The amount of time you’ll need to recover after getting a tooth removal varies, but as a general rule:

• • 24 to 48 hours for minor extractions (where your dentist or oral surgeon removes one or two teeth)

• • 3 to 10 days for surgical extraction (the removal of all visible roots and bone tissue)

What are the Tooth Extraction Aftercare Tips?

How long it takes for the gums to heal from a tooth extraction depends on how well you can do for your teeth:

• • Don’t smoke. Smoking can cause dry sockets, so it’s important to avoid smoking after tooth extraction.

• • Use gauze pads to stop bleeding. You may use a gauze pad or cotton swab to stop bleeding at your extraction site for about 24 hours after treatment.

• • Avoid rinsing for 24 hours.

• • Avoid drinking through straws while also refraining from chewing on hard foods like popcorn kernels during this period because these actions will aggravate their condition further due to too much friction being placed upon their injured gums during said activities!

Schedule an Appointment With Nearby Dentist

Are you looking for tooth removal in Spring, TX? Call us or schedule a consultation with Spring Creek Forest Dental for more information about tooth extractions in Spring, TX, 77379 and what you can expect.