As Principal Dentist at tooth in Waterloo, I know that having a tooth removed can sound worrying, but don’t worry - tooth extraction is a common dental procedure and is usually very straightforward. However, you may have heard your Dentist use the terms tooth extraction and surgical tooth extraction and wondered what the difference is.
The main difference is how easily the tooth can be removed. A simple tooth extraction is usually performed when the tooth is visible above the gum and can be removed using regular dental instruments. A surgical extraction is needed when the tooth is more difficult to access, such as when it is broken, impacted, or partially covered by gum or bone.
At tooth in London, our Dentists can assess your tooth and explain which type of extraction is most appropriate for you.
What is a tooth extraction?
A standard, or simple, tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth that is fully visible in the mouth.
Before removing the tooth, your Dentist will normally give you a local anaesthetic to numb the area. Once you are comfortable and the area is completely numb, the dentist uses specialised instruments to gently loosen the tooth before removing it.
Simple extractions are often relatively quick, depending on the tooth and its condition.
Why might a tooth need to be extracted?
There are several reasons why your dentist may recommend an extraction, including:
Extensive tooth decay that cannot be predictably repaired
A tooth that has fractured or broken
Severe infection
Advanced gum disease causing significant loss of support around the tooth
A tooth that cannot be restored successfully
Removing teeth as part of certain orthodontic treatments
Making space for other dental treatment
Whenever possible, Dentists generally aim to preserve natural teeth. However, sometimes removing a tooth is the safest or most appropriate option for your long-term oral health.
What is a surgical tooth extraction?
A surgical tooth extraction is a more involved procedure used when a tooth cannot be easily removed using a standard extraction technique.
This may be because the tooth is:
Partially or completely covered by gum
Impacted
Broken below the gum line
Severely damaged or decayed
Difficult to access
Positioned in a way that makes a simple extraction unsuitable
Surrounded by bone that needs to be removed to access the tooth
During a surgical extraction, the Dentist (also known as an Oral Surgeon), may need to make a small incision in the gum to access the tooth. In some cases, a small amount of bone may need to be removed or the tooth may need to be divided into smaller sections before it can be safely removed.
The area is normally numbed with local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the procedure, although naturally you may feel pressure.
Is a surgical extraction the same as having a wisdom tooth removed?
This is a question that many of my patients ask me - and the answer is no…. not necessarily.
Wisdom teeth are one of the most common reasons for surgical extraction, particularly when they are impacted or have not fully erupted through the gum.
However, surgical extraction is not limited to wisdom teeth. Any tooth that is difficult to remove using a standard extraction technique may require a surgical approach.
For example, a heavily broken-down molar that has fractured below the gum line may require surgical extraction even though it is not a wisdom tooth.
What is the difference between a simple and surgical extraction?
The key difference is the level of access required to remove the tooth.
Common traits of a tooth requiring a simple tooth extraction (non-surgical) are:
The tooth is usually fully visible in the mouth.
It can generally be removed without making an incision in the gum.
Bone removal is usually not required.
The tooth can generally be removed whole.
It is usually a relatively straightforward procedure.
Recovery is often relatively quick.
Common traits of a tooth requiring a surgical extraction are:
The tooth may be partially or completely covered by gum.
An incision in the gum may be required.
A small amount of surrounding bone may sometimes need to be removed.
The tooth may need to be divided into smaller sections before removal.
It is a more involved procedure than a simple extraction.
Recovery may take slightly longer, particularly if the gum or surrounding bone has been affected.
Your Dentist or Oral Surgeon will determine which approach is appropriate after examining your tooth and, where necessary, taking an X-ray or special scan such as an OPG.
Does a surgical tooth extraction hurt?
We get so many patients, pretty much all of them in fact, that say after their surgical extraction ‘wow - that didn’t really hurt at all!’
Why? Because our incredible Oral Surgery team have so much experience in their fields of work.
You should not experience sharp pain during the extraction, although you may feel pressure, movement or some pulling as the oral surgeon works on the tooth.
Naturally, it is common to experience some discomfort, swelling or tenderness after an extraction. Surgical extractions can sometimes result in more swelling or discomfort than a straightforward extraction because the procedure may involve the gum and surrounding bone.
Your Oral Surgeon will give you aftercare instructions to help you manage your recovery.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Recovery varies depending on the tooth, the complexity of the extraction and your individual circumstances.
After a simple extraction, many people are able to return to their normal activities relatively quickly.
A surgical extraction may require a little more recovery time, particularly if the gum has been opened or bone has been removed.
Following your Dentist’s or Oral Surgeon’s aftercare instructions is important. This can include avoiding vigorous rinsing immediately after the extraction, keeping the area clean as advised and avoiding smoking, as smoking can interfere with healing.
Will I need stitches after a surgical extraction?
Your Oral Surgeon will advise depending on your case. If an incision has been made in the gum, your Oral Surgeon may use stitches to help the area heal. Depending on the procedure, these may be dissolvable or your Oral Surgeon may arrange an appointment to remove them.
Do I need an X-ray before a tooth extraction?
An X-ray or a special scan, such as an OPG scan, will very likely be recommended before an extraction, particularly when the tooth is difficult to assess clinically or when the position and shape of the roots need to be evaluated.
An X-ray or OPG can help your Dentist or Oral Surgeon understand the tooth's roots, surrounding bone and relationship to nearby structures. This information can be particularly important when planning a surgical extraction.
Can my Dentist or Oral Surgeon tell which type of extraction I need?
Usually, your Dentist or Oral Surgeon can determine the most appropriate approach by examining your tooth and reviewing any necessary X-rays or scans.
However, the exact technique can sometimes only be determined once the Dentist or Oral Surgeon has assessed how easily the tooth can be accessed and removed.
The important thing is that we will plan the safest and most appropriate approach based on your individual circumstances.
What happens after a tooth extraction?
Once the tooth has been removed, a blood clot forms in the socket where the tooth was located. This is an important part of the healing process.
You will be given instructions on how to care for the area while it heals.
You may experience:
Some bleeding or oozing initially
Tenderness around the extraction site
Swelling, particularly following a surgical extraction
Mild difficulty chewing near the area
Temporary sensitivity or discomfort
If you experience severe or worsening pain, significant swelling, persistent bleeding, fever or other symptoms that concern you, you should contact your Dentist for advice.
What should I do if I think I need a tooth extracted?
If you have a painful, broken, infected or damaged tooth, it is important to have it assessed rather than assuming that extraction is the only option.
In some cases, a tooth that initially appears to require removal may be treatable with restorative or other dental treatment, and that’s what we will always aim for if possible - after all we want to save your tooth!
If extraction is recommended, your Dentist or Oral Surgeon will explain why it is necessary and whether a simple or surgical extraction is appropriate.
Need a tooth extraction in London?
At tooth London, our experienced Dentists and Oral Surgery Team provide assessments and tooth extraction treatment for patients who need a tooth removed.
If you have a painful, broken or damaged tooth, contact tooth dental care in Waterloo to arrange an appointment. We can assess the problem, explain your treatment options and recommend the most appropriate next step. Just click on any of the buttons below to get in touch.
Dr. Anna x
Frequently Asked Questions
-
A surgical extraction is generally more involved than a simple extraction because the Dentist may need to access the tooth through the gum or remove a small amount of surrounding bone. However, it is a routine dental procedure when performed appropriately.
-
The area will normally be completely numbed with local anaesthetic during the procedure. You may experience pressure but should not feel sharp pain. There can be more swelling or discomfort during recovery compared with a straightforward extraction.
-
No. A wisdom tooth that has fully erupted and is accessible may sometimes be removed using a standard extraction technique. Surgical extraction is more commonly required when a wisdom tooth is impacted or difficult to access.
-
Yes. If a tooth has broken below the gum line or there is not enough tooth structure for the dentist to grip, a surgical extraction may be necessary.
-
Your Dentist will assess the tooth and may take an X-ray to determine its position, condition and root anatomy. They can then explain which extraction technique is most appropriate.
-
Sometimes. Dentists generally aim to preserve natural teeth where this is possible and appropriate. Depending on the condition of the tooth, treatments such as a filling, crown, root canal treatment or other restorative treatment may be considered.
More FAQs here.