Surgical Extraction

Surgical extraction is the preferred technique for the removal of a damaged or infected tooth, as it minimizes complications and offers optimal healing.

KEY FACTS

The majority of teeth with mild-to-moderate bone loss or crown fracture are not loose and a non-surgical approach to extraction can lead to complications.
A successful surgical extraction includes:
- Dental x-rays for assessment of root anatomy/disease, adjacent teeth, and bone health.
- Dental nerve block(s) will offer pain control and safer anesthetic levels
- Surgical flap allows access to root elevation, preventing root fractures
- Closure of the extraction site offers rapid healing and prevents “dry socket”

QUICK LOOK

Gum recession root exposure — Gum recession and root exposure

dental x-ray bone loss — Dental x-ray reveals bone loss

fractured teeth extraction — Three fractured teeth receiving extraction therapy

Closure of extraction sites improves healing

LEARN MORE

Many of the teeth that need extraction are not loose or mobile. These include teeth that are fractured or infected, teeth that have mild to moderate bone loss, teeth associated with an oral tumor, and impacted teeth. Steps of a surgical approach to extractions include:

Pre-extraction x-rays allow assessment of root structure, adjacent teeth and important regional structures (blood vessels, nerves, nasal cavity, etc.), and root health (resorbing=weakened, fusion to the bone, or fracture)
Transection of multi-rooted teeth into single rooted segments is an important step to prevent root fractures
Removal of supporting bone allows accurate placement of elevators and “space” for the tooth to be tipped into
Post-extraction x-ray will ensure complete root removal and allow cleaning and flushing of the site
Closure of the site with absorbable sutures reduces pain and will improve healing

Root canal therapy is a less invasive and less painful option to save fractured or discolored teeth than surgical extraction.