Dentists offer a variety of treatment options that preserve the natural structure of your smile. However, sometimes a tooth sustains significant damage that will not respond to other therapies, and it could threaten the rest of your smile. In these cases, a dentist will suggest the removal of the affected tooth with an extraction procedure.
The treatment is simpler and less invasive than many people might expect. Your dentist will prioritize your comfort during each step of the process. Your experience might vary as well depending on whether you require a simple or a complex extraction. Discover similarities and differences between simple and complex tooth extraction procedures when you read on.
What Happens During a Simple Tooth Extraction?
A simple tooth extraction refers to a procedure in which a dentist removes a tooth that is visible and accessible above the gumline. During this treatment, a dentist will provide you with a local anesthetic to numb the area and ensure you remain comfortable. Then the dentist will use special forceps to gently pull the tooth. This loosens the tooth from the ligaments and tissue keeping it in place until it comes free of its socket.
The process is quicker and less invasive than many people may imagine. You can anticipate some downtime as the socket needs to heal. But you can manage symptoms on your own and see full recovery in one to two weeks.
What Should I Expect from a Complex Tooth Extraction?
A complex tooth extraction involves the surgical removal of a tooth below the gumline. Dentists will use this type of procedure when the tooth suffers too much damage for their tools to adequately pull the tooth in a simple manner. Examples of this scenario include severely decayed or broken teeth or impacted wisdom teeth.
Your dentist will offer you both anesthetic and sedation in order to ensure you remain at ease and comfortable during the process. Then the dentist makes an incision into the gum tissue to access and remove the tooth.
As with a simple extraction, you can anticipate some downtime while you recover. You will also have stitches, so follow your dentist’s aftercare guidelines to ensure the best recovery possible without aggravating the surgical sites.
Tips for Tooth Extraction Dental Patients
Your dentist will provide you with instructions to manage potential discomfort as you heal from a tooth extraction. Make sure you adhere to these guidelines, including avoiding sucking or spitting motions with your mouth. Then you can avoid complications at the healing sites. If you feel severe pain, tell your dentist because you might suffer from dry socket. The issue will require urgent treatment to fix.
If you get a tooth extraction to fix overcrowding or impacted wisdom teeth, you will not require replacements to restore your smile. However, extracted teeth can pose other issues for your oral health in most cases. So talk to your dentist about dental implants and other restorative treatments to preserve the look and feel of your smile after an extraction.