ORAL SURGERY
Simple Tooth Extraction
A simple tooth extraction is when a tooth is fully visible above the gum line and need removing often due to gross decay, damage, infection or orthodontic reasons.
Simple tooth removal is usually straightforward, especially when the tooth is not broken below the gum line or excessively decayed. This dental extraction aims to alleviate pain, prevent further dental complications, and maintain the health of your surrounding teeth.
When Might You Need a Simple Tooth Extraction?
- If a tooth is severely decayed and cannot be saved with a filling or a crown.
- When a tooth is damaged beyond repair from trauma or injury.
- When a tooth has acute or chronic infection that is not treatable or if patient refuses to treat this.
- It is used to help alleviate crowding and make room for proper alignment, often in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
- In cases of advanced gum disease where the tooth’s support structure is compromised.
What to Expect During the Procedure
- Assessment: First, we’ll examine the tooth in question and might take an X-ray to better understand its position and condition. This helps us plan the most effective and comfortable extraction.
- The Extraction: For a simple extraction, we’ll use a local anaesthetic to numb the area around your tooth so you won’t feel any pain, just some pressure. Using precise tools, we’ll gently rock the tooth back and forth to loosen it before removing it from the socket.
- Aftercare: We’ll provide you with clear aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth and quick recovery. This might include advise on managing discomfort, what to eat, and how to keep the extraction site clean to prevent infection.
If you’re experiencing discomfort or have been advised that you might need a tooth removal.
Surgical Extraction
Surgical extraction are dental procedures reserved for teeth that are challenging to remove, often because they haven’t fully emerged from the gum line or are broken at the gum level. These extraction might involve teeth that are impacted, such as wisdom teeth, or teeth with unusually shaped or positioned roots. The focus is on carefully removing the tooth while minimizing the impact on surrounding tissues, ensuring comfort, and promote quick healing.
When Might You Need Surgical Extraction
- Impacted teeth, commonly wisdom teeth, that cannot emerge naturally.
- Teeth broken at or below the gum line, often due to injury or decay.
- Teeth with curved or entangled roots that complicate standard extraction methods.
Procedure
Process starts with a thorough evaluation, including X-rays or CT scans, to get a complete picture of the tooth’s position and the surrounding bone structure.
Surgical extraction requires surgical approach. After ensuring you’re comfortably numb with local anaesthesia, we might need to make a small incision in your gum to access the tooth. In some cases, removing a small amount of surrounding bone or dividing the tooth into sections might be necessary for a safe and effective extraction.
We’ll provide detailed care instructions to aid your recovery post-extraction. This could include guidelines on diet, pain management, and oral hygiene practices to prevent infection and encourage healing.
Surgical extraction, while more involved than simple extraction, are a routine part of dental care to resolve pain and prevent further dental health issues. If you’re facing a situation that might require a complex extraction, let’s have a conversation.
Apicectomy
An apicectomy, or root-end resection, is a precise procedure to treat persistent infections in the root canal area, especially when conventional root canal treatment hasn’t succeeded. This involves surgically removing the tip of the root and any infected tissue.
An apicoectomy is a specialized dental procedure to treat persistent infections in the root tip of your tooth and surrounding tissue. This surgery is typically considered when a root canal treatment hasn’t completely resolved an infection. An apicoectomy aims to preserve the natural tooth, prevent further infection, and maintain the health of the surrounding bone and gum tissue
Why Might You Need an Apicoectomy?
- When root canal treatment alone doesn’t eliminate an infection.
- If an infection reoccurs at the root tip after a root canal.
- To address small, hidden root fractures or complex root structures that could harbor bacteria.
Understanding the Apicoectomy Process
Initial Examination: A detailed evaluation, including radiographic assessment will be conducted to assess the extent of the infection and the tooth’s condition. This helps in planning a precise and effective surgical approach.
Surgical Procedure: The apicoectomy involves making a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone and the infected root tip. The tip of the root, along with any infected tissue, is carefully removed, and the end of the root canal may be sealed with a small filling to prevent future infections.
Focused Aftercare: Recovery from an apicoectomy involves following specific care instructions to ensure proper healing, manage discomfort, and prevent complications. This might include guidelines on oral hygiene, diet, and any necessary follow-up appointments.
An apicoectomy is a precise surgical intervention focused on resolving persistent infections at the root tip, promoting the long-term health of your natural tooth and surrounding tissues. If you’re experiencing issues after a root canal or suspect a recurring infection, an apicoectomy might be a viable option. We’re here to discuss your concerns, explore potential solutions, and ensure you’re fully informed about your treatment options.