Surgical & Complex Extractions
A surgical extraction is used when a tooth cannot be lifted out easily with instruments alone: for example, a tooth broken at the gum line, a tooth with curved or fused roots, or one held firmly in the bone. The dentist gently opens the gum to reach the tooth, may remove a little of the bone around it, and sometimes divides the tooth into sections so each part comes out with less force.
An examination with X-rays shows whether a tooth needs this approach.
Planning ahead
If the tooth will later be replaced with an implant, the extraction is planned with that in mind, and a bone graft may be considered at the same time.
Related treatments
Questions patients ask
Why not a simple extraction?
When a tooth is broken, has complex roots or is held firmly in the bone, pulling it out whole could strain the bone or the teeth around it. Reaching it through the gum, and dividing it when needed, lets it come out with less force.
Talk with us about your options
Book a consultation, or call us and we will find a time that suits you.