Who it’s for:
Dental extractions are suitable for individuals experiencing severe tooth damage, pain, or functional issues that cannot be resolved with restorative treatments like fillings or root canals. This procedure is typically performed by a general dentist for straightforward cases or an oral surgeon for more complex scenarios.
How the procedure works:
Dentist tooth extractions involve numbing the area with local anesthetic, loosening the tooth with an elevator instrument, and removing it with forceps. Simple extractions handle visible teeth, while surgical extractions require small gum incisions or bone removal for broken or impacted teeth, often requiring sutures. The procedure is generally pain-free, though pressure is felt, and takes about 30-60 minutes.
Key Aspects of the Procedure
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Anesthesia: Local anesthetic is used to numb the area, ensuring no pain is felt. In some cases, sedation or general anesthesia may be used for anxiety or complex cases.
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Simple Extraction: Used for teeth visible above the gum line. The dentist uses an "elevator" to loosen the tooth and forceps to remove it.
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Surgical Extraction: Necessary for teeth broken at the gum line or impacted (not fully erupted). An incision is made in the gum, and sometimes the tooth is broken into smaller pieces for easier removal.
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Completion: The socket is cleaned, and stitches may be placed to aid healing. Gauze is placed to control bleeding.
Comfort and safety
Comfort and safety-focused dental extractions prioritize patient anxiety reduction and pain management through modern techniques, thorough preparation, and personalized care. For patient safety, dentists conduct comprehensive exams, including X-rays to assess tooth position and root structure. For comfort, local anesthetic is used to completely numb the area, with options for sedation (such as nitrous oxide or oral sedatives) to manage anxiety.