Extraction & Minor Oral Surgery

Simple tooth extractions are performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth, usually under local

anaesthetic, and require only the use of instruments to elevate and/or grasp the visible portion of

the tooth. Typically the tooth is lifted using an elevator, and using dental forceps, rocked back and

forth until the periodontal ligament has been sufficiently broken and the supporting alveolar bone

has been adequately widened to make the tooth loose enough to remove. Typically, when teeth are

removed with forceps, slow, steady pressure is applied with controlled force.

Surgical tooth extractions involve the removal of teeth that cannot be easily accessed, either

because they have broken under the gum line or because they have not erupted fully. Surgical

extractions almost always require an incision. In a surgical tooth extraction the doctor may elevate

the soft tissues covering the tooth and bone and may also remove some of the overlying and/or

surrounding jawbone tissue with a drill or osteotome. Frequently, the tooth may be split into

multiple pieces to facilitate its removal.

ADDITIONAL REASONS FOR TOOTH EXTRACTION:

● Severe tooth decay or infection (acute or chronic alveolar abscess). Despite the reduction

in worldwide prevalence of dental caries, still it is the most common reason for extraction

of (non-third molar) teeth with up to two thirds of extractions.

● Extra teeth which are blocking other teeth from coming in.

● Severe gum disease which may affect the supporting tissues and bone structures of teeth.

● In preparation for orthodontic treatment (braces)

● Teeth in the fracture line

● Teeth which cannot be restored endodontically

● Fractured teeth

● Supenumerary,supplementary or malformed teeth

● Cosmetic teeth of poor appearance, unsuitable for restoration

● Receiving radiation to the head and neck may require extraction of teeth in the field of radiation.

● Reduced cost compared to other treatments

● Extractions are often categorized as “simple” or “surgical”.