Surgical Tooth Extractions: When Are They Necessary?
Tersa Oral and Facial Surgery • November 26, 2024

You are at your dentist's office, hoping for a quick fix to that nagging pain in your back molar. But instead of a simple filling or routine extraction, the dentist says, "Surgical tooth extraction."


Suddenly, your mind races with questions.


Why does it need to be surgical? What does that even mean? Is it serious?



Surgical tooth extractions are not as scary as they sound, but they are specialized for specific dental challenges. We can help. Let us review what you need to know about surgical tooth extractions.

Impacted Teeth

Impacted teeth are one of the most common reasons for surgical tooth extractions. This condition occurs when a tooth cannot correctly emerge from the gums because of:


  • Physical obstructions
  • Lack of space
  • Improper alignment


Impacted teeth are often associated with wisdom teeth extraction. These teeth typically appear in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, other teeth, such as canines, can also become impacted.


Surgical extraction is necessary to address impacted teeth because they are often located below the gum line or within the jawbone.


Overcrowding Before Orthodontic Treatment

Overcrowding is a common dental issue that causes insufficient jaw space to accomodate all teeth adequately. This can lead to overlapping, twisting, or displacement of teeth, which affects the aesthetics of a smile and poses challenges for oral hygiene and overall dental health.


Surgical tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to create space for proper alignment before starting orthodontic treatments such as braces or aligners.


Surgical extraction becomes essential when these teeth are:


  • Deeply rooted
  • Partially erupted
  • Located in hard-to-reach areas


With sufficient space, orthodontic treatment may be more effective and result in prolonged treatment times.


Removal of Root Tips or Fragments

Sometimes, during a routine tooth extraction, parts of the tooth, such as the root or small fragments, may break off and remain embedded in the jawbone or gum tissue. If not addressed promptly, these residual pieces can cause complications, including infection, pain, and delayed healing.


While some tiny root fragments can remain harmless and are left in place under careful monitoring, removal is often required if they:

  • Cause persistent pain or irritation
  • Increase the risk of infection or abscess formation
  • Interfere with the healing process
  • Complicate future dental treatments, such as dental implants


Teeth With Curved or Unusual Roots

Root irregularities, such as extreme curvature, multiple root branches, and fused roots, make tooth removal using standard techniques difficult. Surgical tooth extraction becomes necessary in these cases to ensure the tooth is safely and effectively removed without damaging surrounding bone or tissues.


Broken Teeth From Trauma

Mouth trauma can result in teeth becoming fractured, cracked, or completely broken. These face injuries can occur due to car accidents, sports injuries, falls, or other impacts.


If the damage is limited to the crown, restorative options like bonding, crowns, or veneers may be sufficient to save the tooth. However, when a fracture extends below the gum line or affects the root, it often cannot be repaired. In such cases, surgical extraction removes all damaged tooth structures.


Preparing for Tooth Removal Surgery

Whether the procedure is necessary due to impacted wisdom teeth, overcrowding, or infection, taking the proper steps beforehand helps reduce stress and minimize complications.


Your dental professional will provide specific pre-operative guidelines. If general anesthesia or sedation is planned, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure. Patients who take blood

thinners or other medications may need to adjust their dosage temporarily under the guidance of their doctor.


Since surgical extractions can involve sedation, getting someone to drive you home after tooth removal surgery is essential. Plan to have a friend or family member stay with you during the first few hours of recovery to help with basic tasks as you rest.


Extraction Recovery Tips

While the process varies depending on the complexity of the extraction, adhering to recovery best practices can make you feel more comfortable and speed up healing.


For the first few days after surgery, eat soft, cool, or lukewarm foods that require minimal chewing. Options like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and broth are ideal. Avoid eating hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that could irritate the area or dislodge the blood clot.


Strenuous activities can boost blood flow and lead to things like prolonged bleeding or swelling. Take it easy for at least 48 hours after surgery, prioritizing rest to allow your body to focus on healing.


If your dentist has scheduled a follow-up visit, ensure you attend. This appointment allows your dentist to monitor the healing process, remove sutures if necessary, and address any concerns. That way, you will avoid complications of tooth removal.


Choosing a Dentist Oral Surgery

Selecting the right dental professional for a surgical tooth extraction is a critical decision that can impact the success of the procedure and your overall experience.


If your case requires specialized care, ask your general dentist for referrals to trusted oral surgeons. Read online dental reviews and past patient testimonials to gain insights into the provider's reputation, communication skills, and patient satisfaction. Recommendations from friends or family who have undergone tooth removal surgery can also be invaluable.


A good dentist or oral surgeon will take the time to explain the procedure, answer your questions, and address any concerns. They should provide a:


  • Clear overview of the steps involved
  • Anesthesia options
  • Potential risks
  • Post-operative care


Feeling comfortable with their approach and communication style is essential for a positive experience.


Post-surgical care is an essential aspect of the extraction process. Choose a provider who offers clear aftercare instructions.


They should be around to help out with any concerns during recovery. A professional who provides emergency support can offer peace of mind if complications arise.


Surgical Tooth Extractions: Now You Know

There is a lot to consider when it comes to surgical tooth extractions. This guide should help you if you are in this situation.


Are you considering your options? Check out TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery. Dr. Andrés E. Guerra-Andrade has over twelve years of experience putting patients like you at ease.


Contact us today.

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Dental Implant Options Offered by TERSA There are several different types of dental implants that TERSA offers to our clients, all of which provide different benefits, including: Treating traumatic dental injuries Offering All-on-4 full-arch implants Using guided surgery with computerized scans Individual dental implants Single-tooth implants are ideal for individuals who have only a single missing tooth, provided all adjacent natural teeth are still healthy. This means that we can focus purely on the single area and also try to recreate the bone's interaction with its previous tooth as much as possible. Through mimicking the root with the implant itself, you also preserve the jaw's density . These need minimal preparation compared to many other processes. However, if you have more than one or two teeth that need replacement in this way, it may be wise to explore alternatives . Why the Dentist Needs to Assess Suitability Dr. Guerra has gained a great deal of knowledge over his 15 years of education , as he discussed with Laker/Lutz News, which he applies to every patient, ensuring that you receive the highest-quality care possible. For example, he will start by imaging the area where the implant will be placed, as well as assessing local nerves and sinus cavities to ensure that the implant will not interfere with them. By reviewing your medical history, he can also discuss various risk factors with you that may impact bone healing, such as diabetes or a history of smoking, helping you avoid complications . The doctor also has a keen understanding of the mechanics of an implant. He will want to ensure that your implant can withstand functional forces, such as chewing, without overloading the surrounding tooth and jaw. This means he has the experience to discuss the issue with you in great detail . 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After you are appropriately prepared, they will make a careful incision to expose an area of your gums and jawbone, then carefully create a space in which to insert a small titanium implant . After the implant is in place, they will suture the space closed, allowing the gum to heal and the jaw to start accepting the titanium post. Once the surgery is completed, you will need to wait up to three or four months for your jaw to adapt to the existence of the post. It will undergo a period of "osseointegration", in which your body will start building natural structures around it and your bone fuses with it, preventing the implant from moving. Healing Timeline for Working Floridians While every individual is different, you should expect the timeline to look something like this: Day 1: Apply an ice pack to your jaw after surgery, and expect mild swelling. You may also experience discomfort, so be sure to have painkillers available. Avoid solid food if possible, and be cautious if not. 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Additional Steps For All-On-4 Surgery Although the majority of the surgery is similar to four individual implants as described above, there are distinct differences: The dentist may remove other teeth to make way for the denture All implants will sit at different angles for more stability Postoperative scans will verify the alignment of the implants Advantages of All-On-4 Surgery As opposed to getting all of your teeth replaced, an All-on-4 implant will require you to have only four implants on which the denture sits. Fewer incisions and a reduced time taken mean that you can get a greater benefit more easily. The complete denture will also look perfectly natural, sitting comfortably in your mouth and secured by four posts that are angled to prevent slipping and reduce stress on each one. This option is ideal for individuals with slightly lower bone density who are still eligible for surgery. If you need a future upgrade throughout your life , such as a change in the material, you can also follow through with implant changes without as much hassle. The removal of old materials and replacement with new ones takes significantly less time, providing you with more options. Choosing Single-Tooth or All-on-4 Implants Whether you want to make use of a full arch or a single new tooth, Dr. Andrés Guerra of TERSA Oral and Facial Surgery is ready to bring his expertise to bear. In a procedure that demands precision, empathy, and in-depth knowledge, he will do everything necessary to ensure your comfort and confidence in the process.  We are ready to discuss your dental implant options and schedule a consultation for you . Reclaim your smile and ensure you are happy with the person you see in the mirror today.