Simple Extraction Steps
There are only two types of dental tooth extractions, a simple tooth extraction and a surgical tooth extraction. A simple tooth extraction is performed entirely above the gums and does not require any surgical techniques.
Understanding the Simple Tooth Extraction Process
When it comes to examining a tooth for damage from injury or decay, your dentist has been taught to always take all measures first to preserve the natural tooth. There are still some situations where extracting a tooth ends up being the healthier option, such as the tooth being damaged beyond the point of repair, or if the tooth is not a viable candidate for a root canal, or if there are crowding issues that cannot be corrected. There might also be that instance when you choose a tooth extraction since it will be less costly than other restoration options and will have a better chance of successful results.
Your dentist, with an exam, will determine if a simple tooth extraction is the best solution. They will identify and confirm that the tooth has straight roots and has enough crown visible above the gumline to be grasped and manipulated. They will also review your health history and ask you to refrain from using blood thinning medications on the days around your extraction. Once it is determined that a simple tooth extraction is indeed appropriate, the simple extraction steps will look like this:
Administer anesthetic- To make sure that your procedure is indeed simple and comfortable, they will first administer a local anesthetic to the area directly around the tooth. They could also apply a topical anesthetic gel prior to this injection to minimize any discomfort from the injection itself.
Release periodontal ligament fibers- The supporting periodontal ligament fibers around the tooth in the bony socket will be loosened so the tooth can be extracted.
Loosen and elevate the tooth- A special dental tool called an elevator is now used to loosen the tooth. This actually works quite well because the bony socket is pliable, and the elevator will slightly enlarge the socket to allow the tooth to be removed.
Remove the tooth from the mouth- Using forceps, the dentist simply grasps the loosened tooth and pulls it out.
Perform ridge preservation if necessary- In most cases, your dentist will suggest that you replace the extracted tooth. If this has been discussed, your dentist will immediately follow your simple tooth extraction with a ridge preservation socket graft procedure. This is the placing of bone graft material in the empty socket to stop the bone reabsorption process. This will help to ensure that the bony ridge will remain at the natural height and width to support a replacement tooth. If this procedure is not done after the simple tooth extraction, the bony ridge will begin to atrophy and deteriorate, which impacts the success of a future tooth replacement.
Minimize bleeding- Even though there are no major arteries in the tooth socket, a simple tooth extraction will still result in some minor bleeding. Light pressure is applied to the area to minimize any bleeding.
Post-operative instructions- Relative to your personal dental and medical condition, your dentist will finish by providing post-operative instructions to ensure you recover quickly and comfortably.