Oral surgery and tooth extractions

Oral surgery encompasses the surgical removal (extraction) of teeth and roots when conservative dental treatment is no longer sufficient or possible. The primary goal of each surgical procedure is to eliminate the source of infection or discomfort while preserving the health of the surrounding bone and soft tissues.

Indications for tooth extraction

Tooth extraction is considered following a thorough diagnosis and assessment of the clinical situation. Common indications include severely damaged tooth crowns or roots that cannot be restored, extensive fractures, advanced loss of supporting bone, or problematic positioning of wisdom teeth.

Types of tooth extraction based on anatomical complexity

Depending on the number and morphology of the roots and the position of the tooth within the jaw, the following surgical procedures may be performed:

Extraction of a single-rooted tooth

The procedure is performed on teeth with a single root, such as incisors, canines, and some premolars. It is carried out under local anesthesia using a gentle technique aimed at preserving the alveolar bone walls to promote rapid and uncomplicated healing.

Extraction of a multi-rooted tooth

Extraction of teeth with two or more roots (molars and some premolars). Due to their more complex anatomy and the forces exerted during chewing, extraction requires careful separation and removal of each root to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues.

Wisdom tooth extraction

Removal of fully erupted third molars (wisdom teeth). Due to their hard-to-reach position at the back of the jaw, these teeth are often affected by tooth decay or can make effective cleaning difficult, making planned extraction necessary.

Extraction of a partially erupted or impacted wisdom tooth

A specialized surgical procedure for wisdom teeth that are partially or completely impacted beneath the gum or within the jawbone. Impacted wisdom teeth can exert pressure on adjacent teeth and cause pain and inflammation, making a carefully planned surgical approach necessary for their safe removal.

Recovery period and post-extraction care instructions

To promote rapid and uncomplicated healing, it is important to follow a few essential guidelines immediately after the procedure:

• Keep the gauze pad firmly in place over the extraction site for approximately 30 minutes after the procedure.
• Avoid rinsing your mouth, vigorous swishing, and consuming hot beverages during the first 24 hours to protect the blood clot that forms in the extraction site.
• Consume soft, lukewarm foods and avoid chewing on the side of the extraction.
• Maintain gentle oral hygiene by carefully brushing away from the extraction site.