Extractions are
categorized as "simple" or "surgical."
Simple
extractions are performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth, usually under
local anesthesia, and require only the use of instruments to elevate, and/or
grasp the visible portion of the tooth. Typically the tooth is lifted using an
elevator and dental forceps, rocked back and forth until the periodontal
ligament has been sufficiently broken and the supporting alveolar bone has been
adequately widened to make the tooth loose enough to remove.
Surgical
extractions involve the removal of teeth that cannot be easily accessed, either
because they have broken under the gum line or because they have not erupted
fully. Surgical extractions almost always require an incision. ln a surgical extraction the soft tissue
covering the tooth may need to be elevated and bone may also be removed the
tooth. Frequently, the tooth may be split into multiple pieces to facilitate
its removal. Surgical extractions are sometimes performed under general
anesthesia.