When looking at options for a dental extraction, it can be confusing as to who you should contact for the procedure. Do you go to your normal dentist? Or to a specialized oral surgeon? It is an important operation that usually needs to be done in an optimal amount of time. The short answer to this is that both types of dental professionals are able to perform extractions, however depending on your situation, one may be more preferable for your personal needs over the other. We’ve laid out some specifications below to help you decide what is right for you.
What Type Of Extraction Are You In Need Of?
Simple Extraction – Simple tooth extractions involve the removal of a tooth which has become fully visible above one’s gum line. All types of dentists have been trained in simple tooth extractions and should be able to remove the tooth easily with forceps.
Surgical Extraction – As the name suggests, this type of extraction is the type that is preferably performed by an oral surgeon. The reason for this is because the type of teeth that need surgical extractions are usually more complicated procedures and require extra healing instructions. Facial structure, bone structure, and the condition of the teeth are just some of the determining factors.
To help better understand which one you need, we recommend you always contact your general dentist first since they know the history of how your mouth has developed. Through quick testing, they will be able to determine which procedure is right for you.
Characteristics of Procedures That Require A Surgical Extraction
Your dentist wants the best results for you, so they may refer you to an oral surgeon for more intricate extraction procedures. We are partnered in our dental group network with a board-certified, expert oral surgeon at Alfano Oral Surgery. We’ve laid out some of the reasons why your case may be referred out:
- When a tooth is buried underneath the gum line. This means an oral surgeon may need to remove the area of your gum blocking the pathway of the tooth for its removal. A common example of this is when people need wisdom teeth extractions.
- When bone interference is present. Similar to gum covering the area, when bone is in the way of the area needed to be reached for extraction, an oral surgeon will need to perform bone grafting to make a way for the tooth to be able to be released.
These types of surgical operations will require stitching and extra healing precautions due to the nature of the extraction.
What Are Some Common Post Extraction Healing Tips?
Regardless of the type of operation, following whatever your dentist or oral surgeon recommends will always be the quickest and most safe way to a successful recovery. Some common tips & instructions you can be prepared for are:
- Ease Your Mouth Usage – It is important to allow your mouth to rest. You can ease the amount of usage you put on your mouth by avoiding things such as unnecessary talking and consumption of food & beverages. For the best results, also be sure to avoid actions such as smoking, spitting, or drinking through a straw as best as possible, especially for the first 24 hours after surgery.
- Don’t Brush or Floss – For the first 12 hours you should avoid this completely so as to not irritate the extraction site. After the 12 hours are up, avoid the site as much as possible so that it continues to not be affected negatively through contact.
- Don’t Consume Overly Hot, Cold, or Hard Foods/Beverages – Your dentist will usually recommend you stick to stick to lukewarm, cool, and soft foods & beverages.
These are just some of the recommendations your dentist can possibly make. Be sure to follow whatever regime they prescribe as they know best for that specific procedure. Contact them if you have any questions about what you can consume or if bleeding persists in the surgical area. Extractions can be a scary procedure, but by educating yourself and following the steps to a correct recovery they can ultimately be beneficial to your oral health.
