Extractions

In most circumstances, the vast majority of dentists would agree that it’s always preferable to save a natural tooth whenever possible. But sometimes, extractions are necessary – such as in patients who have impacted wisdom teeth, for instance. At Apple Dental, Drs. Sanderson, Haynes, and Williamson have years of experience in performing these procedures and will recommend tooth extractions to our Monroe, LA area patients only when it is absolutely necessary.

Types of Extractions

Generally speaking, our dentists perform either one of two types of extractions:

• Simple Extraction – This type of procedure is performed on teeth that have already erupted through the gum tissue. The dentist applies a local anesthetic, which numbs the affected area, after which the tooth is lifted using an elevator and removed with forceps.
• Surgical Extraction – In more complicated cases — such as teeth with large or curved roots – or to remove teeth that have not yet erupted through the gum tissue, a surgical extraction is required. For this type of procedure, the dentist administers a form of anesthesia that allows the patient to feel completely relaxed and at ease, yet still be awake. In surgical extractions, the dentist will need to make an incision in the gum tissue in order to extract the tooth.

An Important Note about Recovery

Although the extraction process may sound intimidating, these procedures are actually quite routine. It’s essential that the patient allow a sufficient amount of time to recover at home after the procedure. Your dentist will provide a full set of instructions to ensure that you take the necessary precautions that will allow for a speedy recovery. A simple extraction will require a shorter recovery time than a surgical procedure, but patients typically bounce back from either type of extraction in a relatively short time.