Why Is a Tooth Extraction Considered Oral Surgery?
Understanding that oral surgery includes tooth extractions allows dental patients to recognize that extractions are serious dental treatments. General dentists often perform tooth extractions on their patients only when the tooth is no longer saveable. Therefore, a tooth replacement option must be chosen whenever a tooth is extracted.
An overview of oral surgery and tooth extractions
There are two different types of extractions: simple tooth extractions and surgical extractions. Simple tooth extractions are performed when the entire tooth is located above the gum line and can be removed using special dental tools. Surgical extractions require one to undergo oral surgery when a tooth has only partially erupted from the gum line or has not erupted at all.
The only option is to perform oral surgery when a tooth has not fully erupted and needs to be extracted. The process requires a general dentist to give the patient a local anesthetic, make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the entire tooth, and then use special dental tools to remove the tooth. Surgical recovery takes about three to four days. Patients who undergo surgical tooth extractions need to choose one of the many tooth replacement options as soon as possible to replace their missing teeth, such as dental implants or dental bridges.
Common reasons why surgical tooth extractions are necessary
The list below includes some additional reasons that require one or more teeth to be extracted via oral surgery.
The tooth is in severe decay
Whenever a tooth is in severe decay, it is no longer saveable and thus needs to be extracted. Since it is more likely than not that removing a severely decayed tooth will result in the tooth breaking into pieces, surgical extractions are necessary to ensure that all of the pieces of the tooth have been removed. Patients can expect the procedure to take somewhere between 20 and 40 minutes.
When a tooth’s roots are difficult to remove
When a patient requires extraction for a tooth that either has very long roots or curved roots, the extraction process is more difficult to perform. This type of extraction is more complicated and often necessitates oral surgery. A small incision is made in the gums to allow the dentist to access the roots and remove the tooth in its entirety. Therefore, the simple extraction method is not recommended, as it can cause bone and tooth breakage.
To prevent overcrowding
Some dental patients do not have enough room in their mouth to accommodate all their teeth, including permanent and wisdom teeth. When any teeth that need to be removed to prevent overcrowding are located beneath the gum line, oral surgery is necessary to remove the teeth. After removal, the patient often needs teeth straightening services to align all of their remaining teeth.
In need of a tooth extraction?
Oral surgery may be necessary if the tooth is so severely damaged that general dentists can no longer save the tooth with traditional restorations. Do you have questions about the tooth extraction process? Call our Pittsburg office to learn more or to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://smilesolutionspittsburg.com or call Smile Solutions at (620) 670-9817 for an appointment in our Pittsburg office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Oral Surgery in Pittsburg, KS.
Related Posts
Restoring your damaged tooth with a dental filling is an easy procedure. It can stop the tooth’s damage from worsening. The general dentist will share aftercare instructions to enhance your oral health. Here are the ways a dental filling can elevate your oral health.Studies reveal that the enamel is the strongest substance in the body.…
Curious about dental fillings? Read on to learn more. Tooth cavities can be uncomfortable and a dental filling is necessary to resolve the issue. Your best bet is to prevent the condition from occurring in the first place. That requires a strict oral hygiene routine and regular dental checkups with a general dentist. Dental appointments…
A dental filling can preserve oral health by addressing cavities and restoring damaged teeth. This essential procedure prevents further tooth decay and protects the affected tooth from more extensive damage. By removing decayed material and filling the cavity, this treatment ensures that the tooth remains functional and intact, providing both immediate and long-term benefits for…
When a sports-related collision or fall occurs, an emergency dentist helps protect teeth, gums, and the jawbone from lasting harm. Dental trauma often looks minor at first, yet hidden cracks or nerve injuries may develop quickly. Acting fast supports comfort now and better outcomes later. Knowing what first steps to take can make all the…