When you need to have a tooth extracted, your dentist will give you two options: a tooth extraction or a surgical tooth extraction. Both procedures remove the tooth, but there are some critical differences between them. In this post, we’ll explain the major difference between a tooth extraction and a surgical tooth extraction, so you can decide which option is right for you. Keep reading to learn more!
What is tooth extraction?
Tooth extraction is a dentistry procedure where a tooth or teeth are removed. This may be necessary due to damage or decay, overcrowding of teeth, or orthodontic reasons. Typically, the tooth will be numbed before the process, and afterwards, it is essential to follow the aftercare advice of your dentist to ensure proper healing. Other treatments, such as antibiotics, may also be needed depending on the circumstances. Generally, though, with appropriate care following an extraction, you can expect normal daily activities relatively soon afterwards.
What is a surgical tooth extraction?
Surgical tooth extraction is a treatment that entails removing a tooth or teeth with the aid of surgical tools. When a tooth has decayed so much that it cannot be repaired, there is not enough room in the dental arch, or there are other issues, extraction may be essential. The process usually begins with local anesthesia to numb the area and allow pain-free treatment. The dentist uses various tools to loosen and remove the damaged tooth, often employing specialized forceps and elevators for benefits such as minimal trauma to surrounding tissue. Following extraction of a permanent tooth, a specialist may recommend further action, such as socket grafting or the placement of an implant to preserve bone strength.
The benefits of a surgical tooth extraction
Surgical tooth extraction is a beneficial procedure that should be seriously considered if other dental treatments have not helped. The process involves the removal of an affected tooth after a thorough assessment and observation of the patient’s specific needs. While it does apply more time and costs than other treatments, it offers many advantages, such as reducing further damage to adjacent teeth in cases of severe decay, less invasive techniques since there is no hard drilling involved, and fewer pain medications required before and after the operation. Additionally, it protects surrounding tissue from infection by properly extracting any harmful bone or tooth fragments. For these reasons, surgical tooth extraction can be an ideal solution for oral health requirements.
How to prepare for a surgical tooth extraction
Preparing for surgical tooth extraction is an essential step in making sure the process is as smooth and comfortable as possible for the patient. It’s critical to follow any instructions given by the dentist, such as stopping any pain medications, antibiotics or blood thinners several days before the procedure. Additionally, arranging a ride home from the appointment is a good idea due to possible pain and exhaustion afterwards. Patients should also avoid eating large meals or drinking alcohol before the procedure and have nothing else to eat or drink after midnight on the day before. Finally, patients should wear loose-fitting clothing on the day of their surgical extraction to allow easy access and maximum comfort during the operation.
Tooth extraction at Simply Dental Chatswood, Sydney NSW, Australia
A tooth extraction is a process of removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. It is important that you know the side effects of tooth extraction. There are two main types of tooth extractions- surgical and non-surgical. Non-surgical extractions are typically performed on teeth that have already partially erupted, while surgical extractions are reserved for more complex procedures, such as impacted wisdom teeth. If you need to have a tooth extracted, your dentist will discuss the type of extraction best for you.
To facilitate, we also have experienced dentists in Chatswood and in Willoughby.