Understanding the Basics of Teeth Extractions
Tooth extractions might sound scarier than they actually are, but it’s not as bad as it seems once you understand why they’re needed.
Sometimes, teeth need to be extracted due to decay, overcrowding—like a house party gone wrong—or when they’re impacted, such as wisdom teeth that refuse to grow up and behave.
In this blog, we’re here to break down the tools and techniques of teeth extractions. After all, knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your smile.
The Types of Teeth Extractions: From Simple to Surgical
So, you’ve been told you need a tooth pulled—no biggie. But did you know there are different types of teeth extractions?
There are two main types of dental extraction: simple extraction and surgical extraction.
A simple dental extraction is used to remove teeth that can be seen and are easily accessible, whereas surgical dental extraction typically requires an incision into the connective tissue to gain access to the tooth to be removed.
So, let’s break it down and learn what dental extraction tools dentists use to ensure your extraction is smooth as butter. Let’s discuss the different types of teeth extractions:
1. Simple Extractions
Think of these as the “easy mode” of tooth extractions. Simple extractions are typically for teeth visible in your mouth. Dentists use specialized oral surgery instruments like forceps and elevators to loosen and pull out the tooth. It’s fast, effective, and usually only requires local anesthesia.
2. Surgical Extractions
This is for teeth that like playing hide and seek—like impacted wisdom teeth beneath the gum line or teeth broken at the gum line. Surgical extractions require extra finesse and oral surgery tools. These procedures may involve small incisions and bone tissue removal to free up that stubborn tooth.
When Each Type is Necessary
Simple extractions are for teeth no longer welcome due to cavities or gum disease, while surgical extractions are needed for trapped or painful teeth. The extraction type depends on tooth position and condition.
Essential Tools for Simple Extractions
All dental extraction tools used in dentistry are parts of dental implant kits that come with varying purposes to carry out particular tasks:
Tools Breakdown
- Forceps: Like the dentist’s chopsticks, but way more effective. These are designed to grip, twist, and pull teeth out, with specific designs for different types of teeth extractions.
- Elevators: These oral surgery instruments loosen the tooth before it makes its exit, using leverage to break the tooth’s attachment to the bone.
- Scalers: While not directly involved in the extraction, scalers can remove plaque or tartar beforehand for a smoother procedure.
Specialized dental extraction tools
- Bone Chisels: For impacted teeth buried deep in the jaw, bone chisels help clear away surrounding tissue, much like chiseling marble to reveal a hidden masterpiece.
- Scalpels: These make precise gum incisions to access buried teeth without causing unnecessary damage during surgical procedures.
- Suction Devices: Your personal dental vacuum, keeping the area clean and blood-free during the procedure. Visibility is key during the procedure.
The Chill Pills: Anesthesia and Sedation
Sedation dentistry keeps you comfortable during dental procedure preparations. It’s beneficial for people with dental anxiety or for those who are undergoing lengthy treatment.
However, safety first!
Dentists monitor your heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure during sedation to ensure a safe procedure.
Local anesthetics:
If it is just simple teeth extraction, you will most probably need only local anesthesia. It will numb the area so that you won’t feel anything, really—except perhaps for a bit of pressure.
Sedation Techniques:
The dentist may also give options for surgical procedures, such as laughing gas, better known as nitrous oxide, or IV sedation. These techniques are going to help you relax—especially if you get nervous just at the sight of a dental chair or those intense-looking oral surgery instruments.
5 Dental Anesthesia Options & Everything You NEED to KNOW About Them (Getting Numb At The Dentist)
Ready, Set, Extract! —The Pre-Extraction Checklist
Dental procedure preparation is key to a smooth extraction, so let’s discuss what really goes on before the big day.
Initial Consultation: Before any sort of dental treatment is conducted, your dentist will sit down with you in a personalized consultation to discuss your concerns and if there are any personal conditions they need to know about.
This is the time to inform your dentist about any of the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- Thyroid disease
- Hypertension
- Artificial joint
- Impaired immune system
- History of bacterial endocarditis
- Renal disease
Imaging Tools: Before any tooth can be extracted, dentists will normally take X-rays to understand what’s happening beneath the surface. This step is important for creating a customized extraction plan with the right dental tools.
Formulating a Treatment Plan: As a part of your post-extraction care, your dentist will then create a treatment plan based on your specific needs and prepare you for it. It’s not just about pulling teeth—it’s a whole strategy!
The Aftermath: Post-Extraction Care and Tools
Congrats! You survived the extraction!
But hold up—don’t just ghost the dentist’s office. Proper post-extraction care is essential for healing.
These oral surgery instruments are those non-scary ones that are here to help you after dental procedures:
Sutures:
Following a surgical extraction, sutures may be used to stitch your gums, helping to speed up healing and minimize the risk of infection.
Gauze Packing:
Ever wonder why they give you gauze to bite on? It helps control bleeding and aids in clot formation, which is necessary for healing.
Pain Management Tools:
Let’s face it—extractions can be a bit painful once the anesthesia wears off. Your dentist may prescribe painkillers or recommend OTC medications. Follow the instructions, and you’ll be back to eating solid food in no time!
Understanding Your Tooth Extraction
We took you through it all—from A to Z, from what makes up a dental implant kit to the basic tools dentists use for extractions. The next time anyone mentions tooth extractions, you can flex your new knowledge and tell them it’s not so scary. And remember, if something doesn’t make sense or you need more detail, it’s okay to ask questions.
If you’re considering an extraction, contact Ridge Oral Surgery—we’ve got you covered with an expert team ready to guide you through each step.
Our practice is one of the few 100% surgeon-owned and operated oral surgery practices in New Jersey, and we are committed to always providing quality, personalized oral surgery care for every patient that they treat.
Ridge Oral Surgery is open 6 days a week (including Saturday hours) with 24 hours on-call access to the surgeon along with same-day consultations and procedures.
Let’s see what people have to say about Ridge Oral Surgery:
- Very anxious before entering-totally at ease when leaving.
- Dr. Mehrotra explained the full procedure and walked us through what to expect during and after the surgery
So, whether you’re preparing for a simple extraction or something more surgical, just relax—the procedure’s got your back, and a brighter, healthier smile awaits!