Creating A More Beautiful Smile

3 Potential Surgical Removal Steps For A Difficult Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is generally a straightforward procedure that only involves the dentist cutting into the gums and roots, removing the tooth and associated materials, and then allowing the area to heal up over time. But extractions can sometimes become more complicated due to a variety of factors including the position of the tooth or the condition of the underlying bone. In these more difficult cases, your dentist might need to add a couple of additional steps to the surgical removal of the tooth.  

Gum Reflecting

Gum reflecting involves the dentist cutting a flap into the gums that can be peeled back so the dentist has a better view of the area beneath the tooth. The increased visibility can help reduce the risk of under the surface complications. And the flap, which goes back over the opened socket once the tooth is removed, can heal better than tissue that could tear during the general extraction process.

The use of the flap can also help prevent a post-extraction complication called dry socket, which stems from a blood clot failing to form over the exposed bone. The flap will cover most of the bone after the extraction and will be stitched into place so that it doesn't shift away.

Ostectomy

An ostectomy is a procedure where the dentist removes some of the bone around the tooth that's being extracted. The bone is typically removed for one of two reasons: ease of extraction or gaining access.

Removing bone around the tooth can help make the extraction smoother. The reduced force needed to remove the tooth also reduces the risk that the extraction itself will cause bone or tissue damage.

If the extracted tooth was impacted, such as a wisdom tooth, then your dentist might need to remove some bone to gain access to the full tooth for extraction.

Tooth Sectioning

A damaged or impacted tooth might be difficult to remove in one piece. The dentist can instead use a drill to perform a tooth sectioning procedure that essentially cuts the tooth into a few pieces for easier removal.

Tooth sectioning, like bone removal, can make it possible for the dentist to use less force during the extraction. The sectioning can also make it less likely that any tooth material will be accidentally left behind in the socket.

It's important to realize that the gum, bone, and tooth procedures described are all performed under at least general anesthesia so you won't feel anything but pressure during the procedures. And undergoing these procedures can make the extraction, and extraction healing process, easier in the long run. To learn more, contact a company like Buffalo Dental Group


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