What is the Difference Between Simple & Surgical Extraction?
Although saving a tooth is always a top priority for dentists, sometimes due to the damage to the tooth an extraction is necessary. If a tooth will not support a filling or dental restoration due to damage or decay, your dentist may advise you to have it extracted. There are two types of extraction procedures a dentist can use: a simple extraction and a surgical extraction. The degree of damage and accessibility to the tooth will ultimately determine the type of extraction you need. After you’ve seen your dentist, they will advise you on which type of extraction they will need to do. If you’ve been told you need an extraction, there are important distinctions that you should know.
What to expect in a simple extraction
Simple extractions are typically performed on damaged or decayed teeth that are visible above the gum line. In a simple extraction, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic that numbs the general area of the tooth to be extracted. To do this, the dentist will inject a numbing agent under the gums and in just a few minutes, you will experience numbness in the area. Once you and your dentist have determined that you are sufficiently numb, your dentist will use an elevator and forceps. This will loosen the tooth and ultimately remove it from the socket. There are minimal side effects from this procedure due to its simplicity. These can include bleeding, swelling, or minor pain in the extraction area. With proper after care, these symptoms will subside in a few short days.
What to expect from a surgical extraction
Surgical extractions are typically performed on teeth that are trapped below the gum line and are not visible. Since the tooth is not accessible on the surface, the dentist will need to utilize a more complex procedure to remove the tooth. In a surgical extraction, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic or general anesthesia depending on the needs of the procedure. In cases where general anesthesia is used, you will be put to sleep and will be unaware of what is happening during the procedure. Once the dentist has administered the appropriate anesthesia, they will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth for removal. In some cases, the dentist will even break the tooth into multiple pieces to ease the extraction. The recovery for surgical extraction is typically longer than with a simple extraction. Additionally, surgical extractions carry the possibility of more complications following the procedure such as nerve damage, pain, swelling, and bleeding. Like a simple extraction, with proper recovery and care following the procedure, the symptoms will ease in a few days.
What is the difference in cost?
The cost of extractions will depend on the complexity of the procedure itself. In general, a surgical extraction will cost more than a simple extraction due to the invasive nature of the procedure. Your dentist will discuss the costs with you prior to the procedure.