Exodontia (Tooth Removal)

Exodontia (tooth removal)

Historically, there was a time when tooth extraction was the most prevalent dental treatment for dental caries (tooth decay) and periodontal disease (gum and bone disease). However, as more sophisticated, affordable and effective techniques were introduced that were capable of to saving teeth, simple extractions became a far less necessary practice. Therefore, the majority of exodontic services performed today are for orthodontic purposes when dental crowding is a problem or are more complicated surgical procedures necessitated by tooth impaction (the failure of a tooth to erupt completely into the oral cavity and remain embedded to some degree or another in the bone of the jaw). Very often severe or complicated impactions are removed under a general anesthetic for the comfort of the patient and the convenience of the surgeon.

It is important to note that there exists some controversy in dentistry regarding the practice of prophylactically (preventively) removing impacted teeth. In much the same way that the medical profession questioned and then moved away from the concept of preventive removal of potentially troublesome organs such as the tonsils or the appendix, so too has dentistry gradually adopted a more conservative view of the removal of teeth purely to prevent the relatively uncommon (although sometimes serious) group of conditions which are associated with tooth impaction.

Simple or routine tooth extraction

The removal of an erupted tooth, with normal root structure, reasonably sound remaining crown structure, and usual arch position. Removal of such a tooth should not require tissue incision, or suturing (stitches)

Surgical tooth extraction

Removal of an erupted tooth, whose root structure is dilacerated (curved), fragile, or unusually shaped or if there is not quite enough crown material to obtain a suitable purchase (grasping area on the tooth).

Root Removal

Removal of an erupted tooth which has so decayed or otherwise broken down that only the roots of the tooth remain.

Soft Tissue Impaction

Removal of a tooth that is only partially erupted but whose crown is not at all covered by bone.

Partial Bony Impaction

The removal of a tooth that is only partially erupted but whose crown is still partially covered by bone.

Complete Bony Impaction

The removal of a tooth that is completely covered by bone but is impacted at an angle and position that is relatively favorable for safe and efficient surgical access.

Complete Bony Impaction with Complications

The removal of a tooth that is completely covered by bone but is impacted at an angle and position that is relatively unfavorable for safe and efficient surgical access. Examples include: intra-sinus impaction, deep impaction, horizontal impaction and buccal-verted or lingual-verted impaction. (Pointing toward the cheek or toward the tongue).