What is a Complex Tooth Extraction?

Ssimple tooth extraction is referred to the procedure of removing a tooth which has an upright position and the process of extruding it is considered to be “simple”.

A complex tooth extraction will encompass all the other types of extractions wherein the process is not as straightforward as prying on a tooth and pulling it out. In fact, teeth have a myriad ways to position themselves and in order to take them out many times surgery is needed.

Even simple tooth extractions might end up as complex ones if, for example a decayed tooth is being pulled out but it cracks and part of the root is left in the jaw.

A well trained dentist is well prepared to deal with these situations and for this reason, once the tooth is pulled out the first thing they do is to check that the tooth came out completely.

So what happens if you need to have a tooth extracted that has nothing left above the gum line and there is nowhere the dentist can use his forceps to grasp the tooth and pull it out?

Usually in these cases a sharp instrument will be used to pry out the root by exerting pressure between the root and the surrounding bone structure, this technique is known as luxation.

Molars usually have multiple roots and sometimes they will be removed separately. However not all roots or fragments of roots can be removed this easily, thus the oral surgeon will go ahead and make an incision in the the gums and around the tooth to raise a flap of tissue so that the tooth and surrounding bone is exposed.

Removing a tooth is an art, it requires the expertise of a well-trained oral surgeon and also the professional assessment of the position and the knowledge of the risks that this procedure might involve.