Did you know that nearly 75% of all adults will need to have a tooth extracted at some point in their lives. Despite this high percentage, many of us know little, if anything, about tooth and surgical dental extractions.

To get you up to speed, we’ll start by discussing the most common reasons for tooth extraction before uncovering the main differences between simple and surgical dental extraction. We’ll also provide some information on the alternatives to tooth extraction and tell you how to prevent the need for extraction in the first place.

Reasons for Tooth Extraction

For most people, the most common reasons that come to mind for requiring a tooth extraction procedure are likely to be because of pain or infection caused by a decaying or damaged tooth, or simply a lack of room for wisdom teeth. However, there are many other reasons why a person may need to have a tooth removed, including dental trauma, severe dental crowning, damage to the extensions for crowns, impaction and in preparation for an orthodontic procedure. The reasoning behind a tooth extraction is significant because it affects the type of extraction that is required.

Different Types of Tooth Extraction

The most common form of tooth extraction performed by dentists is known as simple tooth extraction. A simple extraction is performed when it is possible to remove the entire tooth without getting below the gum line. This is typically performed under local anesthetic using a pair of forceps, with no oral sedation. You may feel a little discomfort but no pain with the tooth extraction process.

In more complex cases, when the teeth are not as easily accessible, surgical dental procedures and extractions are likely to be required. For instance, when the tooth hasn’t completely erupted through the gum or fractured below the gum line, it is difficult for a dentist to reach.

These tooth extractions are more complex and require careful oral surgery. For instance, incisions into the connective tissue as part of tooth extraction can cause a little pain, and cases where a tooth has to be fragmented into pieces for removal can be time consuming. These extractions are likely to be carried out under general anesthetic.

Alternatives To Tooth Extraction

When it comes to removing teeth, it is important to note that there are some alternatives to extraction that might be worth discussing with your dentist. Wherever possible, it is always best to try and save your teeth. The loss of teeth can negatively impact your confidence, reduce your ability to chew, and create alignment issues for the remaining teeth. However, there are solutions, like dental implants, to deal with these problems.

Popular alternatives to extraction include root canals or a root-end resection. Each procedure has its pros and cons, so be sure to have an open discussion with a dental professional before making a final decision.

How To Prevent The Need For Tooth Extraction

Regardless of the abundance of treatment options available, prevention is always the best course of action where possible. There are several ways, in fact, you can avoid needing to have any teeth removed. Most of this centres around basic oral hygiene techniques, which, if implemented successfully, can prevent tooth decay and the need for extractions. From regular brushing and flossing to a reduction in the consumption of sugary foods, as well as regular visits to your dentist, developing good oral hygiene habits can help you avoid dental procedures further down the line.

How Can I Find Out More About My Options For Tooth Extraction?

If you live in Melbourne, you can contact Abbotsford Dental to make an appointment with one of our highly skilled dentists to discuss surgical dental extraction as well as a whole host of other dental procedures.