Surgical Tooth Extraction
When Is Surgical Extraction Needed?
Surgical tooth extraction is performed when a tooth cannot be removed with simple forceps or an elevator. A fractured tooth crown, curved or resorbed roots, teeth covered by dense bone and broken root tips are included in this scope. Wisdom-tooth or impacted-tooth surgery is covered on separate pages; this text explains general surgical extraction indications.
Teeth with decay at a level that cannot be restored, periodontal teeth with poor prognosis or teeth with untreatable apical lesions may also require surgical extraction. A surgical approach may be preferred in an orthodontic extraction plan.
Examination and Planning
Periapical or panoramic imaging shows root morphology and neighbouring anatomical structures. Periodontal teeth with poor prognosis, orthodontic extraction plans or teeth with untreatable apical lesions may create an indication. Anticoagulants and systemic diseases are assessed beforehand. If there is active infection, extraction can usually be postponed.
CBCT may be considered when complex root anatomy or relation to neighbouring structures is suspected. Pain control and infection management before extraction may be part of the plan. Anticoagulant use should be reported beforehand; a separate assessment is made for patients who prefer sedation.
Procedure Process
Under local anaesthesia, flap elevation, bone removal or smoothing may be needed. Tooth sectioning can be used for complex roots. At the end of the procedure, haemostasis is provided and sutures are placed if needed. Separate planning is made for patients who prefer sedation.
Procedure duration depends on tooth number and complexity. After extraction, gauze supports clot formation; avoiding hard foods and straws may be requested. In orthodontic extraction plans, extraction timing is coordinated with braces treatment.
Healing and Next Steps
Cold compresses and rest may be recommended in the first 48 hours. The socket clot should be protected; avoiding hard foods and straws may be requested. Antibiotics may be considered in cases with high infection risk. An implant, bridge or removable denture plan is assessed separately after healing. Prescription or over-the-counter medication advice is shared for pain control.
Sutures are usually removed after 7-10 days. The clinic should be contacted in case of marked pain, fever or bleeding beyond expectations. A large bone defect may require grafting; the implant plan depends on healing time. Return-to-work timing depends on the physical intensity of the job; most patients can return to daily activities within a few days.