12 Common Tooth Extraction Tools

Perhaps your sparring partner landed the perfect left cross. Whatever the reason, getting your tooth pulled or extracted can and does happen. It's very common. And you may have seen that shiny tray full of dental instruments. They all serve a unique purpose in making sure your tooth removal procedure goes as smoothly as possible. Learn more below about how these tools could be used in a tooth extraction procedure.

Simple Extractions vs. Surgical Extractions

There are 2 types of tooth extractions:

• Simple extraction
• Surgical extraction

Hopefully, you're getting a simple extraction. This procedure is relatively quick and only requires two tools to remove it. A surgical extraction, however, is more lengthy and often requires an oral surgeon to perform it. This occurs when the extraction is from within the gums due to a broken tooth or one not erupting yet.

Basic Set-Up of Tooth Extraction Tools

Your dental team is intimately familiar with the extraction tools as they're uniquely designed for procedures like your tooth extraction. Your care and safety are top of mind when they're used on you. According to the University of California, San Diego Pre-Dental Society (UCSD), a typical tooth extraction tray includes the following tools.

1. Cotton rolls

2. Topical numbing agent

3. Gauze

4. Anesthesia needle

5. Anesthetic

6. Syringe

7. Mirror

8. Explorer

9. Small elevator and large elevator

10. Periosteal elevator

11. Surgical curette

12. Forceps

How the Tools Are Used

The procedure is a relatively simple one in dental terms. The UCSD also explains the step by step process of your typical tooth extraction.

1. First, an anesthetic (topical or local) is applied.
2. Next, the tooth is separated using a periosteal elevator.
3. The socket is then expanded, and the tooth is further separated using a small or large elevator.
4. The forceps are then used to remove the tooth.
5. The remaining debris is then removed from the socket.
6. Next, the socket is compressed.
7. Then, the socket is irrigated, and bone edges are filed.
8. Lastly, gauze is inserted into the extraction site.
9. Pain medication or antibiotics may be prescribed.

What to Expect During the Procedure and After

During your procedure, there may be some slight discomfort and pressure. However, there shouldn't be any pain due to the anesthetic application. Your surgical dental assistant, dentist, or oral surgeon will use the appropriate dental instruments to keep your extraction area moist and clean during the procedure. After the procedure, you need to give it time to heal, meaning you can't clean or brush near the extraction.

Hopefully, your teeth extractions days are in the past. If they're not, it's good to educate yourself on the tools and the procedure you'll need. Routinely brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will help keep your oral health in shape.