Complex tooth extraction

What is a complex extraction?

Most teeth are extracted without surgery: the area is numbed, the tooth is loosened and it is removed in one piece. We talk about a complex or surgical extraction when that is not possible and a small opening has to be made in the gum to remove the tooth, sometimes in several pieces.

When it is needed

• The tooth is broken at the gum line and there is no crown left to hold on to.
• There are retained roots: roots that stayed in the bone after a fracture or an old extraction.
• The roots are very curved or long, or are fused to the bone.
• The tooth has not fully come through (impacted teeth). Wisdom teeth have their own page.

How it is assessed beforehand

Before the procedure, the tooth is assessed with an X-ray. A panoramic X-ray is usually enough; if the roots lie close to the nerve in the lower jaw or to the maxillary sinus, a 3D dental scan may be recommended so that it can be planned with real measurements.

How it is done

It is carried out under local anaesthetic. The dentist carefully separates the gum, removes a minimal amount of bone if necessary and, when appropriate, divides the tooth so that it can be removed in sections with less strain on the bone. Finally, the area is cleaned and closed with a few stitches.

After the extraction

It is normal to have some discomfort and swelling during the first few days, peaking at around 48-72 hours. What helps most:

• Bite on the gauze for as long as you are told, and do not rinse or spit forcefully on the first day.
• Apply cold to the outside of your face for the first few hours and eat soft, lukewarm food.
• Do not smoke: it is the factor most closely linked to the wound healing poorly.
• Take only the medication we have prescribed and come to your follow-up appointment.

If the bleeding does not stop, you develop a fever or the pain gets worse after a few days instead of easing, call us: it may be a dental emergency.

And the gap left behind

When the missing tooth is important for chewing or for appearance, it is worth thinking about replacing it: with an implant, a bridge or a denture. This is assessed at the same appointment.

If you think this applies to you, book an appointment and we will assess it at the clinic.