A tooth extraction refers to a dental procedure in which a dentist removes a damaged tooth from the mouth. Dentists reserve this treatment for cases in which a tooth does not respond to more conservative therapies and threatens the rest of the smile.
You can rest assured that the process is simple and easy. Your dentist will prioritize your comfort as well as your long-term oral health goals. But the procedure will differ depending on whether you require a simple or a complex extraction.
You can feel more at ease with this dental treatment when you know more about these two options. Read on to find comparisons between simple and complex tooth extractions.
What Happens During a Simple Tooth Extraction?
Your dentist will perform a simple tooth extraction in the case of a tooth that remains visible and accessible above the gumline. They will begin the treatment by administering a local anesthetic to numb the area and ensure you will not feel pain during the process.
The dentist will then use special forceps the grasp the tooth and lift it carefully away from the socket. Gradually, the tooth will loosen from the tissue holding it in place and come free.
The dentist will provide you with gauze and management advice to allow you to heal properly at home. You can expect a few days of downtime while you recover from this procedure.
What Can I Expect During a Complex Tooth Extraction?
A dentist will use a complex tooth extraction to remove a tooth that suffers significant damage or is stuck below the gumline. Examples of scenarios that would require this treatment include an impacted wisdom tooth or a severely decayed tooth with little material left above the gums.
Because a dentist cannot use forceps to hold the tooth, they will need to perform oral surgery. You will receive dental sedation to ensure you remain relaxed and comfortable during this treatment. The dentist will make an incision into the gums to remove the tooth.
You will return home after this treatment, though you will need to take care of stitches as you heal. Make sure you follow your dentist’s guidelines to recover properly and avoid aggravating the healing surgical sites.
Advice for Tooth Extraction Dental Patients
Whether you require a surgical or simple tooth extraction, you should review and adhere to your dentist’s aftercare advice following your treatment. The guidelines will include pain management tips for soreness you might feel when the anesthetic wears off. It will also let you know how to practice oral hygiene without harming your healing extraction sites.
You should pay attention to these sites during your recovery too. Some pain and swelling are normal, but severe pain and bleeding can point to a complication called dry socket. This will require urgent care from your dentist to fix, so do not delay calling your dentist if this happens.
You will also want to talk to your dentist about tooth replacement options. Wisdom teeth and crowded teeth will not require replacement, but missing teeth in other cases can harm your oral health. Learn more by booking a dental consultation today.