Surgical Dental Extractions

A dental extraction, also known as exodontia, is one of the most common procedures performed at a dentist's office. The procedure involves removing or pulling a tooth. A surgical extraction may be necessary on certain teeth.

Reasons for Surgical Extractions

Dental extractions may be performed to minimize overcrowding or in preparation for braces. An extraction may also be performed to remove the following types of teeth:

  • Wisdom teeth
  • Decayed teeth
  • Broken teeth
  • Impacted teeth

The Surgical Extraction Procedure

More complex extractions may need to be performed by an oral surgeon. Surgical extraction is commonly performed on teeth that have broken at the gum line or have not descended into the mouth, such as wisdom teeth. The extraction procedure is performed under local anesthesia or with intravenous sedation to minimize discomfort.

Recovery from Surgical Extraction

Patients should eat only soft foods and liquids for the first few days, and should avoid spitting and using a straw as it can induce bleeding. To relieve swelling and pain, patients can gently rinse their mouth with warm salt water. 

Complications from a Surgical Extraction

The dental extraction procedure is safe for most patients with minimal complications. While most complications are rare, they may include:

  • Accidental damage to surrounding teeth
  • Fractured jaw
  • Soreness in the jaw
  • Dry socket or exposure of bone in the tooth socket
  • Infection

Most patients recover completely from a dental extraction within one to two weeks.

Additional Resources