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.
12 Common Tooth Extraction Tools
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.
- First, an anesthetic (topical or local) is applied.
- Next, the tooth is separated using a periosteal elevator.
- The socket is then expanded, and the tooth is further separated using a small or large elevator.
- The forceps are then used to remove the tooth.
- The remaining debris is then removed from the socket.
- Next, the socket is compressed.
- Then, the socket is irrigated, and bone edges are filed.
- Lastly, gauze is inserted into the extraction site.
- 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.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
